Find the right UMGC degree, specialization, 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 the 2022-2023 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 on-site and hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
- $ per credit hour
(Europe & Downrange)
See our Tuition Rates page for details.
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.
Political Science
Bachelor of ScienceThese program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Program Highlights
- Analyze and participate in the creation of public policy at the local, state, federal, and international levels by building consensus and using effective lobbying techniques
- Participate in and influence government at all levels through an understanding of the establishment, structure, and interaction of governmental institutions
- Use effective writing, research, analysis, advocacy, and coalition-building skills to develop and influence policy at the national and international levels
- Conduct, analyze, and evaluate theoretical and empirical research for specific problems to affect domestic and international policy by applying political theory, systems, and processes in organizational environments
- Apply knowledge of ethical principles and issues to public policy and politics
Required Courses
- (3 Credits, GVPT 100)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 101)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 170) or (3 Credits, GVPT 200)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 210)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 280)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 306)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 403) or any upper-level GVPT course
- (3 Credits, GVPT 406)
- (3 Credits, GVPT 457) or any upper-level GVPT course
- (3 Credits, GVPT 495)
Electives
The bachelor's degree in political science requires 49 credits of minor and/or elective coursework.
Career Preparation
This program is designed to help you prepare for graduate study or careers in areas such as policy development for think tanks, research at intelligence agencies, and political campaign management, as well as other work with local and state governments or nonprofit organizations.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
No previous experience is needed.
Total Program Credits
120
Transfer Credits
Up to 90
Format
- All courses are available online
- Select on-site and hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
- $250 per credit hour
(Europe & Downrange)
See our Tuition Rates page for details.
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 the 2022-2023 academic year.
With a bachelor’s degree in social science from University of Maryland Global Campus, you'll gain perspectives from the fields of anthropology, the behavioral sciences, gerontology, psychology, and sociology. You'll also have the opportunity to drill down and focus on one of these fields to advance your professional experience. The curriculum, designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars, combines theories with real-world applications and practical skills.
Program Highlights
- Integrate theoretical perspectives and research findings in the social sciences by using quantitative and qualitative data and applying social science research methods
- Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
- Explain how micro- and macro-level factors are linked in the social lives of individuals, communities, and societies
- Analyze complex social problems and work toward realistic solutions using awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of diversity, social factors, and global multicultural perspectives
- Recognize the ethical principles and standards for professional conduct that guide the work of social scientists
- Apply critical and creative thinking, information literacy, technology, and interdisciplinary perspectives to solve practical problems in the social sciences
Required Courses
Two of the following introductory (100-level) social science courses (6), chosen from the following:
- (3 Credits, ANTH 102)
- (3 Credits, GERO 100)
- (3 Credits, PSYC 100)
- (3 Credits, SOCY 100)
The following courses:
- (3 Credits, BEHS 210)
- (3 Credits, BEHS 300)
- (3 Credits, BEHS 495)
One of the following courses:
- (3 Credits, BEHS 220)
- (3 Credits, BEHS 250)
Four upper-level ANTH, BEHS, GERO, PSYC, and SOCY courses (12 credits) - Focused study in anthropology, gerontology, psychology, or sociology recommended, as follows:
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)
Required Related Course
The following related required course may be applied to general education or elective requirements.
- (3 Credits, STAT 200)
Career Preparation
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
No previous experience is needed.
Total Program Credits
120
Transfer Credits
Up to 90
Format
- All courses are available online
- Select on-site and hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
- $250 per credit hour
(Europe & Downrange)
See our Tuition Rates page for details.
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.