Making plans can be difficult. Looking three or four years down the road and sticking with a daily plan can feel tedious. However, the reality is that the future arrives whether you’re ready for it or not, making advance planning essential for success.
Even though planning ahead can be a difficult task that requires a lot of commitment, it is worth it in the end. Being prepared and having a plan can substantially increase the odds of completing school in less time, while spending less money. Arkansas State University’s online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science program offers students a way to earn their degree without having to quit their jobs or give up on any personal responsibilities.
Online Degrees Are a Good Fit for People with Obligations
People may have hopes of law school, graduate studies or a political career in their futures. Online political science degree programs are flexible and convenient, making them an ideal fit for someone who works full time or has family obligations. The asynchronous nature of online learning allows students to access coursework when it fits their schedule, rather than forcing them to rearrange their lives around fixed class times.
Work and family constraints are both reasons people have cited for giving up on college. Online education alleviates those pressures by allowing working adults the freedom to manage their personal commitments and complete their degrees at the same time. According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, online enrollment has continued to grow, with millions of students now choosing distance learning options to accommodate their busy lives.
Dual-credit Enrollment for Grad School
Graduate hours are another perk of an online political science degree. These arrangements allow motivated students to accelerate their academic timeline while reducing overall educational costs. The ability to earn credits that count toward multiple degrees simultaneously is a strategic benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Some programs allow seniors to apply some credits from their undergraduate studies toward a master’s degree. Students who take advantage of these opportunities can potentially shave an entire year off their graduate school timeline while saving thousands of dollars in tuition.
Job Opportunities With a Master’s Degree
Students who pursue an online political science degree while concurrently obtaining graduate hours are on the fast-track for careers in research, government, education and law. Many of these fields require a master’s degree. For example, a master’s degree in political science or public administration is usually necessary to become a political scientist.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2025, political scientists made an average salary of $139,380. There are a multitude of lucrative and rewarding professions one can get with a master’s in political science: public policy, international relations, campaign management, lobbying or government affairs.
Furthermore, students enrolled in the Arkansas State online B.A. in Political Science program can earn credit for a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. This integrated approach maximizes efficiency and demonstrates how strategic planning during undergraduate studies can yield significant advantages later in your academic and professional journey.
The Benefits of Planning
Adults who are willing to plan ahead for their political science education and career will reap the benefits over the long term. The investment in careful planning pays dividends through reduced stress, faster degree completion and better career outcomes. Starting with a clear vision and roadmap makes the journey feel more manageable and achievable.
Online education helps alleviate the burden of family commitments, work schedule conflicts, personal issues and burnout. The flexibility inherent in online programs allows students to maintain their current responsibilities while pursuing their educational goals. Additionally, opportunities to earn graduate credits during undergraduate study save enrollees both valuable time and significant money, creating a more efficient path to advanced credentials and career advancement.
Learn more about the Arkansas State University online B.A. in Political Science program.