Complete TESU’s BA in Political Science Degree for $27,000 or Less

Why TESU's BA in Political Science is Perfect for Degree Hacking

Built with working adults in mind, TESU’s BA in Political Science offers a convenient, budget-friendly route to graduation while preparing you for careers in government, public policy, law, and related fields. The fully online program accepts transfer credits and lets you customize your schedule to finish sooner and save money.

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Here are some more reasons it’s ideal for degree hacking:

Flexible Credit Transfer System

• Apply previous college credits, military training, or qualifying exams to satisfy general education and elective requirements

• Bypass introductory classes by earning credits through recognized exams accepted by TESU, speeding up your degree progress

• Reserve TESU credits for essential political science courses that build specialized skills and knowledge employers seek

Work-Ready Classes with Schedule Flexibility

• Gain expertise in policy analysis, political research, and civic engagement, equipping you for roles in public administration or advocacy

• Study when and where it fits your schedule, allowing you to balance work, life, and school without delays

• Customize course loads and sequencing to graduate faster and enter the workforce sooner, reducing time away from income-generating roles

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Why Most People Take 4+ Years (And How to Do It in 12–18 Months)

Why Most People Take 4+ Years

It’s common for political science degrees to stretch beyond 4 years and cost $36,000 or more. Delays happen due to inflexible course schedules, repeated classes, and transfer credit limits. TESU’s BA in Political Science offers a flexible online format and credit transfer options to navigate these hurdles.  

Here’s what usually causes delays for students:

• They rely too heavily on TESU courses: Instead of using faster, cheaper alternative credit options, many students default to taking all their classes through TESU, stretching the degree to 4+ years.

• They don’t front-load upper-level political science credits: Upper-level requirements can’t be fulfilled just anywhere; failing to prioritize them early can lead to a last-minute scramble and extended timelines.

• They underestimate the capstone pacing: These required TESU courses need to be timed right, since they can’t be taken until most other credits are completed. If they’re left too late, they often end up stalling graduation.

• They take unnecessary courses: Without a clear degree plan, students often waste time (and money) on courses that don’t move them closer to graduation or count towards their degree.

Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:

• Knock out gen eds with alternative credit: They use providers like Study.com or CLEP/DSST to finish general education requirements fast and cheap.

• Plan upper-level political science credits early: They map out where to get upper-level courses upfront, and any prerequisites (if any) so they don’t scramble later or get stuck waiting.

• Time the capstone right: They make sure these required TESU courses are lined up in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

• Result: Graduate in less than 36 months for much cheaper than ~$27,366.

Finishing this BA Political Science degree faster starts with a smarter approach. Transfer credits, use TESU’s flexible scheduling, and some planning up front make all the difference for degree hackers.

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Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack TESU’s Political Science Program

We pulled together real advice from BA in Political Science students, mentors, and degree hackers who’ve done it.

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Inside, you’ll find ways to avoid common delays, cut tuition costs, and stay focused from start to finish. You’ll also learn how to build the research and analytical skills that employers in government, public service, and law value, all while graduating faster.

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TESU Online Political Science Pre-Enrollment Hacks

• Max out online course credits early – Earn general education credits affordably through platforms like Study.com, starting at $95/month, to save time and tuition before beginning TESU.

• Ace credit-by-exam alternatives – Test out of key courses by passing CLEP exams for $97 or DSST exams for $100. These let you knock down credits without sitting through classes.

• Stack transfer credits strategically – Gather and organize all possible transfer credits ahead of time to avoid retaking classes and speed up your timeline. This approach costs nothing but some upfront effort.

• Get a personalized degree hacking plan – Platforms like DegreeHacked.org offer tailored plans that map out the fastest, cheapest path to finishing a Political Science degree.

TESU Political Science Degree Hacking Plan

BA in Political Science Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

Not all transfer credits line up perfectly with TESU’s political science degree requirements. Students can save those credits for electives or general prerequisites, so their TESU coursework can zero in on the core political science classes. This approach helps cut both time and tuition.

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Here’s how to make transfer credits work for you and speed up earning your TESU political science degree:

• 45 credits: General Education courses (easily transferable)

• 45 credits: Area of Study courses + Capstone (mix of transferable and TESU-only courses)

• 30 credits: Electives (easily transferable)

TESU Political Science Degree Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

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Why Degree Hacking Works for TESU Political Science Students

• Big savings on tuition: Degree hacking slashes TESU costs by $9,000 or more through stacking transfer credits and affordable exams. These can cover the BA in Political Science curriculum’s basics without breaking the bank.

• Laser-focused course load: It zeroes in on the core political science classes at TESU, cutting out filler courses that aren’t part of your major competencies.

• Turbocharged graduation timeline: Smart credit moves, and exam hacks help students cross the finish line way faster than the usual 4+ years.

Ready for Your Complete Plan?

Your degree-hacking plan for TESU’s BA in Political Science degree includes:

✓ 40+ pre-approved transfer courses to jumpstart progress

✓ Low-cost credit options like CLEP, DSST exams, and Study.com courses

✓ Transparent timelines and upfront tuition costs for easy planning

✓ Customized plans that shift based on course openings and needs

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Applying to TESU for the BA in Political Science

When to Apply: Best Enrollment Time

Finishing your transfer credits before applying helps avoid delays and puts you on track to focus sooner on TESU’s Political Science core classes. Thanks to TESU’s rolling start dates, it’s easy to begin whenever you’re ready.

TESU Admissions and Transfer Logistics

• Begin your application online using TESU’s admissions portal

• Send official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended

• Check TESU’s Transfer Credit Tool to confirm ACE/NCCRS credit eligibility

• Choose your start date from TESU’s flexible monthly enrollment options

TESU Tuition and Other Aid Information

• Credit cost: $440 (NJ/PA residents), $573 (out-of-state), $600 (visitors)

• Pay flat rate of $3,522 or $4,561 per term when enrolled in 9+ credits

• Aid options include FAFSA, scholarships and grants from TESU, employer reimbursement plans, and more

• Transfer up to 90 ACE-approved credits to reduce tuition expenses

TESU BA in Political Science Career ROI

• Median Annual Salary: $139,380 for Political Scientists

• Degree Payback Time: 1- 2 months of work

• Plus: Qualified for key roles in government and advocacy, strong public sector and consulting job prospects, and open to advanced degrees like law school or public administration

• Typical Roles: Policy Analyst, Legislative Assistant, Political Consultant, Public Affairs Specialist, Government Program Analyst, Researcher, Campaign Manager, and Intelligence Analyst

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