Find the right t ºÚÁÏÉçÇø degree, concentration, or certificate for your professional and educational goals. Use the compare option to decide between multiple programs of interest.
American Government & Political Processes
Undergraduate CertificateThese program requirements are for students who enroll in theÌý2026–2027 academic year.
The certificate program in American government and political processes at University of Maryland Global Campus provides an in-depth study and analysis of the U.S. government, including its history, structure, and political culture. In this program, you’ll analyze the vertical and horizontal structure of the American government and its federal and republican foundations. You’ll examine the three federal branches, bureaucracies, and the state governments in the context of the development of the American political system and its impact on the political landscape. In addition, the program compares American government and political economy to those of other nations for a comprehensive overview of political forces.
Program Highlights
- Gain in-depth knowledge: Participate in an analysis of the U.S. government, including history, structure, and political culture.
- Apply knowledge: Apply historical themes of American foreign policy to contemporary international relations.
- Make connections: Evaluate the interconnection between war, peace, and diplomacy.
- Analyze structures: Analyze the vertical and horizontal structure of the American government and its foundations.
- Develop your skills: Use the rule of law in the decision-making process, and interpret, apply, and synthesize concepts.
- Compare governments: Compare the American government and political economy to those of other nations.
Required Courses
- (3 Credits, GVPT 170)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 280)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 306)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 444)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 457)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 475)
Career Preparation
This certificate program is designed to help you gain in-depth knowledge of the U.S. government and political processes.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
No previous experience is needed.
Total Program Credits
18
Transfer Credits
Up to 9
Format
- All courses available online
- Select hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
- $337 per credit (in-state)
- $499 per credit (out-of-state)
- $250 per credit (military)
- Other fees may apply
Admission Requirements
This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.
Military-Specific Details
This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.
State-Specific Details
This program does not have state-specific restrictions.
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Political Science
Bachelor of ScienceThese program requirements are for students who enroll in theÌý2026–2027 academic year.
Gain career-relevant skills in research, writing, and analysis with an online bachelor’s in political science from University of Maryland Global Campus. Increase your understanding of complex political issues and current events in both the United States and the rest of the world. Grow your knowledge base by studying under experienced faculty members who bring their practical expertise with them to the classroom. Plus, with UMGC’s convenient online courses and generous transfer credit policy, it has never been easier to further your education and advance your career. Ready to make a change? Apply today!
Program Highlights
- Learn major concepts: Distinguish between major concepts, theories, and research methods of political science.
- Examine institutions: Examine key domestic and international political systems, institutions, and organizations, including their purposes, functions, and impact on domestic and global politics, policies, and people.
- Evaluate reports: Evaluate reports and articles for validity, applicability, and authoritative conclusions.
- Craft an argument: Produce arguments supporting or opposing a position on domestic or global practices or policies, applying supportive research within the major theories/conceptual framework of political science
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Required Courses
- (3 Credits, GVPT 100)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 101)
Major Elective Courses
Take seven GVPT courses (21 credits).
We recommend you choose from one of the following groups of courses below:
American Government
- (3 Credits, GVPT 170)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 210)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 476)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 477)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 311)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 444)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 475)
International Relations & Policy
- (3 Credits, GVPT 200)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 280)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 306)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 308)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 403)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 451)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 457)
Capstone Course
(3 Credits, GVPT 495)
Career Preparation
This online political science program may help prepare you for a variety of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Potential job titles in these areas include political scientist, information analyst, intelligence analyst, research scientist, lobbyist, or community outreach specialist.
Please note: Higher advancement in political science careers may require further education, such as a master's degree.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
No previous experience is needed.
Total Program Credits
120
Transfer Credits
Up to 90
Format
- All courses available online
- Select hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
- $337 per credit (in-state)
- $499 per credit (out-of-state)
- $250 per credit (military)
- Other fees may apply
Admission Requirements
This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.
Military-Specific Details
This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.
State-Specific Details
This program does not have state-specific restrictions.
Social Science
Bachelor of ScienceThese program requirements are for students who enroll in theÌý2026–2027 academic year.
Enhance your understanding of culture and society while contributing to community development with an online bachelor's degree in social science from University of Maryland Global Campus. Connect with a diverse network of peers and distinguished faculty members as you prepare to make a meaningful impact in a range of professions. With convenient online courses, multiple start dates, access to lifetime career services, and a generous transfer credit policy, UMGC provides the flexibility and support you need. Start your journey today.
Program Highlights
- Analyze data: Analyze how quantitative and qualitative methods are used in social science research.
- Communicate concepts: Communicate social science concepts and research findings to a variety of audiences.
- Study communities: Examine how micro- and macro-level factors are linked in the lives of individuals and communities.
- Analyze complex issues: Analyze complex social issues using theoretical approaches, critical thinking skills, and technology.
- Evaluate research: Evaluate social science research using ethical principles and standards for professional conduct.
- Examine real problems: Apply concepts of diversity and global multicultural perspectives to examine practical problems.
Required Courses
- Take two courses (6 credits) of introductory (100-level) social science coursework, chosen from the following:
- (3 Credits, ANTH 102)
- (3 Credits, GERO 100)
- (3 Credits, PSYC 100)
- (3 Credits, SOCY 100)
- (3 Credits, BEHS 210)
- (3 Credits, BEHS 300)
- (3 Credits, BEHS 220) or (3 Credits, BEHS 250)
- Take four upper-level courses (12 credits) from the ANTH, BEHS, GERO, PSYC, or SOCY disciplines.
Degree Focus (Recommended)
To align with the 12-credit upper-level requirement listed above, we recommend you choose from one of the following groups of classes below:
Anthropology
- (3 Credits, ANTH 345)
- (3 Credits, ANTH 346)
- (3 Credits, ANTH 350)
- (3 Credits, ANTH 351)
Gerontology
- (3 Credits, GERO 302)
- (3 Credits, GERO 311)
- (3 Credits, GERO 427)
- (3 Credits, GERO 320)
Psychology
- (3 Credits, PSYC 338)
- (3 Credits, PSYC 354)
- (3 Credits, PSYC 386)
- (3 Credits, PSYC 437)
Sociology
- (3 Credits, SOCY 313)
- (3 Credits, SOCY 325)
- (3 Credits, SOCY 423)
- (3 Credits, SOCY 350)
Capstone Course
- (3 Credits, BEHS 495)
Related Required Course
The following may be applied to general education requirements:
- (3 Credits, STAT 200)
Career Preparation
This program is designed to prepare you to pursue careers as social researchers, policy analysts, community service managers, elder care workers, social workers, human resources specialists, teachers, or urban planners.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
No previous experience is needed.
Total Program Credits
120
Transfer Credits
Up to 90
Format
- All courses available online
- Select hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
- $337 per credit (in-state)
- $499 per credit (out-of-state)
- $250 per credit (military)
- Other fees may apply
Admission Requirements
This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.
Military-Specific Details
This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.
State-Specific Details
This program does not have state-specific restrictions.