Program Overview
Learn More About Our B.S. in Political Science Online
The B.S. in Political Science online program at UHV prepares you for professional roles in for-profit and non-profit organizations within the public and private sectors. Designed to give you an edge in a competitive job market, this online bachelor’s program focuses on the research behind political science and how to integrate theoretical understanding of the political world into solutions for real-world problems.
Build on your critical and creative thinking in the research and synthesis process while you develop a diverse set of skills and knowledge—which can help you succeed in a variety of environments. Earning your political science degree can lead to a lucrative career.

Ranked #1 among the "Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas" by BestColleges.com (2018)
In this political science online degree program, you will develop:
- Analytical thinking skills that enable you to draw connections and deepen your understanding of how government and policy shape our lives
- A thorough understanding of the different institutions and processes in which political decisions are made
- Practical skills applying basic research methodologies—including research design, sampling, validity and techniques
This B.S. in Political Science program prepares you for roles such as:
- City or County Administrator
- State or Federal Agency Administrator
- Regional Planner
- Intelligence Analyst
- Research Analyst
- Public Policy Analyst
Also available online:
Tuition
Affordable Tuition as Low as $266 Per Credit Hour at UHV
The B.S. in Political Science online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition with all fees included.

The B.S. in Political Science online program at UHV is ranked in the top 5 online political science programs in Texas by BestColleges.com (2018)
Fees
A $25 application fee is required; applications will not be processed without it.
Applicants are admitted to the University only for the semester for which they apply. Students who do not enroll in the semester for which they have been admitted and want to be considered for a different semester must reapply and pay the application processing fee again.
Applicants will be considered for admission under the policies in effect at that time. Admission is not automatic. If a student has attended another collegiate institution prior to updating the application, the student must provide an official transcript of all work attempted.
Calendar
UHV Online Dates and Deadlines
Our B.S. in Political Science program is delivered in a flexible online format ideal for working professionals and features multiple start dates throughout the year for faster completion.
*Application and all documents must be submitted by this date.
Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline |
---|---|---|---|---|
03/22/2021 | 03/12/2021 | 03/15/2021 | 03/16/2021 | 03/17/2021 |
06/07/2021 | 05/26/2021 | 05/28/2021 | 05/24/2021 | 06/01/2021 |
08/23/2021 | 08/11/2021 | 08/13/2021 | 08/15/2021 | 08/17/2021 |
10/18/2021 | 10/08/2021 | 10/11/2021 | 10/05/2021 | 10/13/2021 |
Admissions
Requirements for the B.S. in Political Science
We've streamlined the admission process, so it's easier for you to get started on your degree. Find the requirements for the B.S. in Political Science online, what additional materials you need and where you should send them. The requirements include:
View full admission requirements [+]
Students interested in the B.S. in Political Science online program must meet the requirements below.
- Submit undergraduate application and $25 application fee
- Cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher
- Freshmen: SAT score of 940 or higher or ACT score of 18 or higher
- Transfer students (12 or more credit hours from other institutions): official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Students may transfer up to 90 credit hours.
Official transcripts, test scores and other materials that come from third-party sources may be emailed or mailed from the granting institution(s) to:
Email address: [email protected]
Mail address:
University of Houston-Victoria
3007 N. Ben Wilson Street
Victoria, TX 77901
ATTN: Fasttrak Admissions/University College
Have a question? Call us at 888-728-6625.
International Transcript Evaluation
For those applying with international transcripts, a full evaluation by an approved agency is required, which can take up to eight weeks. For more information on international transcript evaluation click here. For deadline dates if you are applying with international transcripts click here.
Courses
Read About Our B.S. in Political Science Online Courses
Students must complete a total of 120 semester credit hours to earn the B.S. in Political Science online. Courses include: Freshman Seminar (3 credit hours), University Core Curriculum (43 credit hours), B.S. Program Requirements (8 credit hours), Political Science courses (30 credit hours) and Electives (36 credit hours).
This course is waived for transfer students with 30 credit hours or who have taken a similar course from another accredited institution.
UNIV 1300: First Year Seminar
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide an academic context for: (1) the understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of a college education; (2) study and life skills necessary for academic success; and, (3) opportunities for connection with peers, faculty and the institution. This course is required for freshmen students in all majors and any student entering the university with less than 30 SCH.
General education courses are required based on admission standing and transfer credits. PSCI 2305 and PSCI 2306 are prerequisites for the Political Science Program Curriculum.
English – 6 credit hours
ENGL 1301: English Composition I
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Composition course providing instruction in the writing and analysis of expository prose; emphasis on rhetorical principles and basic organizational modes.
ENGL 1302: English Composition II
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Continued Development of writing skills acquired in English 1301 and development of critical thinking skills in argumentation, analysis and interpretation of various types of literature.
Political Science – 6 credit hours
PSCI 2305: US Government
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to United States national government and politics; including constitutional basis, processes, institutions and policies of U.S. Government and politics.
PSCI 2306: Texas Government
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to Texas state and local government including constitutional basis, processes, institutions and policies of Texas government and politics.
History – 6 credit hours
HIST 1301: U.S. History I
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Survey course of US history from 1492 to 1865 including social, political, intellectual, economic and military history will be explored.
HIST 1302: U.S. History II
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Survey course of US history from 1865 to present, including social political, intellectual, economic and military history will be explored.
Math – 3 credit hours from the following
MATH 1314: College Algebra
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course will cover quadratics, polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions, system of equations, progression, sequences and series, matrices and determinants.
STATS 1342: Intro to Stats
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This introductory course prepares participants in many disciplines to utilize basic statistical methods and processes to effectively and efficiently organize, analyze, and utilize data.
Life & Physical Sciences – 7 credit hours
BIOL 1308: Biology I
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to cell physiology, molecular biology and genetics. Three hours lecture each week. This class is designed for non-science majors.
BIOL 1309: Biology II
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Emphasis on organismal diversity, ecology, behavior and evolution. Three hours lecture each week. This class is designed for non-science majors.
BIOL 1322: Human Nutrition
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to nutrition for students of science and non-science majors. Topics include fundamentals of nutrition, metabolism, digestion, absorption, nutrient storage and drug/nutrient interactions.
Humanities – 3 credit hours
HUMA 1301: Introduction to Humanities
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This stand alone course is an interdisciplinary survey of cultures focusing on the philosophical and aesthetic factors in human values with an emphasis on the historical development of the individual and society and the drive to create. This course will offer selected, interrelated topics in philosophy, literature, religion, and the arts and sciences from ancient times to about the year 1700.
Creative Arts – 3 credit hours
COMM 1335: Introduction to Radio & TV
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Survey course focusing on historical, technical, and governmental aspects of the broadcast industry. Topics such as programming, sales, rating, and public broadcasting will be introduced.
Social/Behavioral Science – 3 credit hours
PSYC 2301: Introduction to Psychology
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Survey of Introductory topics such as learning, memory, sensation and perception, personality, life-span development, psychological basis of behavior, stress and health, psychological disorders, social psychology and research methods.
Additional Courses – 6 credit hours
COSC 1301: Technology & Problem Solving
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to technology, algorithmic problem solving and their applications for students in sciences, humanities, social sciences and business.
SPCH 1315: Introduction to Public Speaking
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction of the basic principles and techniques in research, composition, organization and delivery of speeches for various purposes appropriate for purpose, occasion and audience.
Students earning their Bachelor of Science must take the following courses.
ENGL 3430: Professional Writing
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 4
Study of Professional writing, including correspondence, proposals, research reports, resumes and job letters. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302
BIOL 1309: Biology II
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Emphasis on organismal diversity, ecology, behavior and evolution. Three hours lecture each week. This class is designed for non-science majors.
BIOL 1107: Biology II Lab
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
Laboratory designed to give hands-on experience and to reinforce basic principles of diversity, ecology, and evolution. Three lab hours each week.
The following courses are required. Students cannot take PSCI 4350 during the same term as PSCI 3350.
PSCI 3320: Introduction to Public Policy
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a basic foundation in US Public Policy. It will cover the basics of what is public policy, the different policy-making institutions and processes, the different areas of public policy, as well as how to analyze public policy outputs and outcomes. Prerequisites: PSCI 2305 or PSCI 2306
PSCI 3340: World Politics
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
International relations among nation-states are analyzed in their comparative aspects with structural components, transnational organizations, cultures, institutions, and rational choice.
PSCI 3350: Research Methods for Political Science
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduces students to the tools that political scientists use to conduct research with an emphasis on quantitative techniques
PSCI 3310: U.S. Congress
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduces students to the politics and processes of the United States Congress. Prerequisites: PSCI 2305 and PSCI 2306
PSCI 3311: U.S. Presidency
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduces students to the politics and processes of the Presidency of the United States. Prerequisites: PSCI 2305 and PSCI 2306
PSCI 3312: U.S. Judiciary
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduces students to the politics and processes of the federal judiciary with a special emphasis on the Supreme Court. Prerequisites: PSCI 2305 and PSCI 2306
PSCI 4310: Public Opinion
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduces students to the scientific study of public opinion and development of political attitudes. Prerequisites: PSCI 2305 and PSCI 2306
PSCI 4311: Constitutional Law
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduces students to the basic concepts of civil rights and civil liberties contained in the U.S. Constitution. Prerequisites: PSCI 2305 and PSCI 2306
PSCI 4312: Campaigns & Elections
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines how candidates conduct campaigns and how voters make decisions. Prerequisites: PSCI 2305 and PSCI 2306
PSCI 4350: Senior Capstone Seminar
Duration: 8 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Provides students with an opportunity to spend a semester focused on Political Science research and learning to critically evaluate such research.
Students must take 36 credit hours of electives.