Earn Your Degree in Political Science on-campus in La Grande, Oregon or Online at Eastern Oregon University.
Are you ready to become a reflective, change-making leader in public service? Eastern Oregon University’s online and on-campus Bachelor’s in Political Science is an interdisciplinary program designed to give you a broad, deep understanding of your role as a public servant.
- 3+2 MPA Accelerated Pathway: Earn your Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) in as few as five years, saving time and tuition.
- Unique Rural-Informed Perspective: Master public service, administration, and policy issues unique to rural communities while analyzing international systems.
- Frictionless Transfer Integration: Fast Track Transfer Pathways accept up to 135 credit hours, allowing you to graduate in as little as two years.
Political Science and Policy with a Rural Focus
While many programs focus on public policy and administration strictly within large urban settings, EOU’s unique, rural-informed curriculum prepares you to work effectively and fairly anywhere, from small-town city halls to global non-governmental organizations. Through a comprehensive curriculum that explores the core dimensions of public service, you will gain the substantive knowledge, analytical tools, and practical skills required to address major issues affecting our communities globally. Whether you intend to launch a high-impact career immediately or pursue an advanced degree, EOU equips you to take responsible and reflective action.
- Gain Hands-On Governance Experience: Engage directly with local and state government bodies, civic organizations, and policy processes through field placements, internships, and practical coursework.
- Drive Impact in Eastern Oregon: Participate in community-focused projects using a rural-informed curriculum designed to address the unique civic, social, and economic challenges facing regional communities.
- s Receive personalized mentorship in small class settings from dedicated professors who bring extensive, real-world public service and policy expertise into the classroom.
- Total Credits: 180 Quarter Credits
- Average Completion Time: 4 Years (Transfer pathways available)
- Format: On-Campus or 100% Online
Core competencies
Learn to lead and manage responsibly in public and nonprofit organizations, understanding the structural dynamics of public sector agencies.
Actively participate in, design, and contribute to the policy process, learning to analyze how local, state, and federal laws are crafted.
Master the ability to analyze, synthesize, think critically, and use decision-making tools to solve complex community problems.
Articulate, internalize, and apply an objective, ethical public service perspective that prioritizes equity, fairness, and transparency.
Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry, building consensus across cultural divides.
Synthesize political theory, public budgeting, and administrative ethics to address pressing real-world issues affecting global communities.
LEARNING OPTIONS & DELIVERY MODALITIES
In-Person (La Grande)
The Mountaineer Experience
Experience an engaging, student-centered campus community in the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley. Perfect for students seeking traditional classroom debates and face-to-face peer groups.
Highlights: • Small class sizes with personalized instructor feedback.• Direct access to campus libraries, research labs, and regional networks.• Participate in EOU’s on-campus clubs and quarterly speaker events.
Online
Uncompromising Flexibility
Highlights: • No on-campus requirements — study where and when it’s best for you.• Identical curriculum, assignments, and credentialing as on-campus programs.• Full access to EOU’s online advising, library resources, and tutoring centers.
Maximize Your Prior Credits
Turn your previous college coursework or Associate degree into a powerful, career-accelerating bachelor’s degree at EOU.
Highlights: • Flexible transfer policy — EOU accepts up to 135 credits from other institutions. • Seamlessly integrate previous credits. • Personalized advisor support to build a fast-track completion plan. • Accelerate your timeline to save money and enter the job market sooner.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
At EOU, you are never just a number in a lecture hall. Our political science courses are designed and taught by Ph.D.-degreed educators and active practitioners who are deeply invested in your academic and professional trajectory. Our faculty are experts in both online instruction and contemporary public administration, bridging the gap between theory and real-world civic governance. Benefit from personalized, one-on-one advising, research collaborations, and professional mentorship as you navigate your educational path.
Can prepare you for…
Online Master of Public Administration
Online Master of Social Work
Ready to Take your place in public service?
Let EOU guide you toward a meaningful, community-shaping career.
