Political Science
Earn a first-class training in political science that can qualify you for a variety of careers in the private and public sectors alike.
About Our Political Science Degree
Are you interested in American politics? International affairs? Critical issues such as public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, political development, or foreign policy? Theories concerning the ideal government and how power and resources are allocated in society? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on them? If so, political science is the major for you.
General Information
Political science delves into the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. It is a social science which uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine the United States and all countries and regions of the world.
As a political science major, you will hone the writing, communication, analytical, and data skills that are fundamental to a liberal arts education. This kind of education will prepare you to think critically and independently, help you appreciate differing points of view, and broaden your knowledge of current affairs. Today, students can reasonably expect to change jobs more than once and even have more than one career. An undergraduate education in the liberal arts is excellent preparation for flexibility in employment.
Students who choose the political science major can concentrate in three separate areas: general political science, legal studies, or public policy and public administration.
B.A. students in political science at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.A. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical-thinking skills while introducing the student to global cultures and traditions. General-education requirements for the B.A. (.pdf) »
| Requirement | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 120 | The Government of the United States | 3 credits |
| POLS 130 | Comparative Politics | 3 credits |
| POLS 240 | Political Theory | 3 credits |
| POLS 493 | Senior Seminar in Political Science | 3 credits |
| One Concentration from the Following Options (see next dropdown) | 18 Credits |
|---|---|
| Legal Studies Concentration | |
| Public Policy and Administration Concentration | |
| General Political Sciencee | |
| Total | 30 Credits |
| Requirements for the Minor | ||
|---|---|---|
| POLS 120 | The Government of the United States | 3 credits |
| POLS 130 | Comparative Politics | 3 credits |
| Twelve additional political science credits | 12 credits | |
| Total | 18 credits |
Students who choose the political science major can concentrate in three separate areas: general political science, legal studies, or public policy and public administration.
| Legal Studies Concentration Requirements | 15 Credits from the Following Options |
|---|---|
| POLS 170 The Field of Law | 3 credits |
| POLS 261 State and Local Politics in the United States | 3 credits |
| POLS 271 The Judicial Process | 3 credits |
| POLS 352 Model United Nations | 3 credits |
| POLS 371 Constitutional Law I | 3 credits |
| POLS 372 Constitutional Law II | 3 credits |
| POLS 386 Internship in Political Science | 3 credits |
| POLS 390 Topics, Political Science | 3 credits |
| POLS 450 International Regimes and Global Governance | 3 credits |
| POLS 490 Advance Topics, Political Science | 3 credits |
| Three additional political science credits | 3 credits |
| Total | 18 credits |
| Public Policy & Administration Concentration Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLS 360 Public Administration | 3 credits |
| POLS 361 Public Policy | 3 credits |
| At least 9 Credits from the Following Options |
|---|
| POLS 210 Research Methods in Political Science |
| POLS 221 Political Behavior |
| POLS 261 State and Local Politics |
| POLS 271 The Judicial Process |
| POLS 320 Politics of Urban Areas |
| POLS 326 The Presidency |
| POLS 342 Political Ideologies |
| POLS 386 Internship in Political Science |
| POLS 390 Topics, Political Science |
| POLS 437 Comparative Public Policy |
| POLS 438 Gender and Public Policy in Global Perspective |
| Three additional political science credits |
| Total | 18 credits |
As a political science graduate, you are equipped to radiate in a variety of professions, whether in law, consulting, research, business and finance, government (local, state, federal), journalism, media, and communications, advoacy, non-governmental and non-profit organizations, and teaching.
While the possibilities are endless, here is a list of potential careers for a political science graduate:
- Activist, Advocate/Organizer
- Archivist
- Budget Examiner or Analyst
- Attorney
- Banking Analyst
- Campaign Staff
- Career Counselor
- CIA Analyst or Agent
- City Planner
- City Housing Administrator
- Congressional Office Staffer
- Communications Director
- Corporate Analyst
- Corporate Public Affairs Adviser
- Corporate Manager
- Corporate Information Analyst
- Corporate Adviser for Govt’l. Relations
- Corporate Executive
- Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
- Data Scientist
- Editor of Journals or Books
- Entrepreneur
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Federal Government Analyst
- Financial Consultant
- Foreign Service Officer
- High School Government Teacher
- Immigration Officer
- Information Technology Officer
- Intelligence Officer
- International Agency Officer
- International Research Specialist
- Journalist, Political Correspondent
- Juvenile Justice Specialist
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Management Analyst
- Mediator
- Non-Profit Program Manager
- Paralegal
- Policy Analyst
- Political Commentator
- Polling/Survey Analyst
- Public Affairs Research Analyst
- Research Analyst
- State Legislator
- Teacher
- University Administrator
- University Professor
- Urban Policy Planner
- Web Content Editor
Adapted from the American Political Science Association.
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