Online Bachelor's in Political Science (B.S./B.A.)

EOU accepts transfer credits for the B.S./B.A. in Political Science program, and the same transfer credit policy applies to the Public Administration concentration. If you have completed prior college coursework, those credits may count toward the 180 total credit hours required for the degree, potentially shortening your time to completion. Specific transfer evaluation details — including maximum transfer credits accepted and the timeframe of eligible previous credits — follow the same parameters as the Political Science program. Contact EOU’s admissions team to request a transfer credit evaluation before you apply.
Review admissions requirements on the program’s admissions page.

Admission requirements for the B.S./B.A. in Political Science – Public Administration concentration follow the same criteria as EOU’s online Political Science program. You will need to submit official transcripts and a completed application along with the $50 application fee. No GRE, GMAT or other standardized test scores are required for admission to this undergraduate program. If you have questions about prerequisite coursework, transfer credit evaluation or required documentation, EOU’s admissions team can walk you through the process. Review the full requirements on the program’s admissions page.

Yes, EOU offers an accelerated 3+2 pathway that allows qualified students to combine the B.S./B.A. in Political Science with an online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) in just five years rather than the traditional six or more. The Public Administration concentration in the undergraduate program is specifically designed to prepare students for graduate-level public service coursework, and the 3+2 option is a natural next step for students who want to advance into management, policy leadership or senior administrative roles. You can explore the combined degree program details to understand how credits stack and when to apply for graduate admission. Learn more about the accelerated path on the combined degree page.

Eastern Oregon University is regionally accredited, which is the highest form of institutional accreditation for colleges and universities in the United States and the standard recognized by employers, graduate programs and federal financial aid offices. Your degree from EOU carries the same institutional credential as one earned on campus. The B.S./B.A. in Political Science – Public Administration concentration has not been confirmed as holding a separate programmatic accreditation, which is common for undergraduate liberal arts and public affairs programs. If accreditation status is important to your decision, we recommend confirming current institutional accreditation details with EOU directly. Learn more about EOU on the about page.

While the program emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application, specific internship requirements vary. The program includes opportunities for practical experience that connect you with community organizations and professional opportunities in public service. Learn more about required coursework and practicum on the course details page.

A B.S./B.A. in Political Science with a Public Administration concentration prepares you for careers across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, legislative offices and public affairs. Graduates are positioned to pursue roles such as regional planner, research analyst, policy analyst and public administrator. The curriculum builds applied skills in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, program evaluation and public-service writing — competencies that translate directly into the day-to-day work of local government, executive offices, advocacy organizations and community development settings. Explore specific career pathways on the program’s career outlook page.