Bachelor's Degree in Political Science
Bachelor of Arts
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Political Science Degree Program Overview
Explore government and politics in the U.S. and around the world. In Purdue University Northwest’s political science degree program, you’ll learn the critical thinking, writing and communication skills that employers and graduate schools are looking for as you analyze political leaders, campaigns, voting, courts and legal systems, international relations, the governments and politics of other countries and much more.
Department of History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Political Science at PNW is a broad, practical examination of American and global politics as well as political theories and methodologies.
Our faculty members are as committed to your success as they are passionate about their areas of expertise. They lead experiential learning opportunities like study trips and conference presentations. They also help students obtain internships with government officials and agencies, nonprofit organizations, and political campaigns.
Political Science Major Curriculum
You’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences core courses and political science courses. In this program, you’ll explore law, government, public policy and administration, political ideologies and more.
We offer dozens of electives to choose from, allowing you to tailor your studies to your personal interests and career goals.
Political Science majors explore the world of government and politics both in the US and around the world.
Sample Courses
- POL 20000 – Introduction To The Study Of Political Science
- ENGL 10400 – English Composition I
- COM 11400 – Fundamentals Of Speech Communication
Analyze political leaders, campaigns, voting, the courts and legal systems, international relations, the government and politics of other countries, political violence and terrorism, war and peace, and many other key topics.
Sample Courses
- POL 13000 – Introduction To International Relations
- POL 14100 – Governments Of The World
Learn the critical thinking, writing and communication skills that employers and graduate schools are looking for.
Sample Courses
- POL 30000 – Introduction To Political Analysis
- POL 43300 – International Organization
- POL 49000 – Topics In Political
In your final year, you’ll study in courses to prepare you for a career in law, government, public policy and administration, political ideologies and more
Sample Courses
- Applied Policy Making Elective
- 30000-level or above POL Elective
Political Science Degree Program Highlights
A degree in political science provides a deep understanding of political systems, institutions, and processes, helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and fosters effective communication skills.
Eligible students can join Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society.
Political Science Degree Program Outcomes
Graduates may pursue government, law, education, journalism, or non-profit careers. Political science degrees can also lead to opportunities for advanced study in law, public policy, or international relations.
Political Science Degree Program Career Paths
This program prepares you for a range of careers, including:
- Legislative assistant
- Political strategist
- Policy analyst
Political Science Degree Program Beyond the Classroom
We encourage our students to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science Honor Society. While at PNW, our students often take on internships in local and state government, federal agencies, nonprofits, law offices and political organizations, such as:
- Indiana Senate
- Lake County Courts
- Northwest Indiana Forum
- Urban League of Northwest Indiana
- Lake County Libertarian Party
Political Science Degree Program Employers
Graduates of this program are employed at organizations and companies like:
- Department of Homeland Security
- GE Digital
- Arabella Advisors
- University of Chicago
My internship at the Indiana General Assembly placed me in the ideal environment for any student considering a career in government affairs. I was able to form relationships with people who work for all sorts of organizations in the public and private sector.
PNW offered a perfect college experience for me. The connections and relationships I’ve made are my favorite thing about attending.
Because of the class sizes, I am on a first name basis with all of my professors...They’re always asking about my future plans and how they can help me reach my goals."
Meet the Faculty
Associate Professor of Political Science
Frank J. Colucci is Associate Professor of Political Science. He teaches courses in American politics and constitutional law and history with a focus on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Professor of Political Science
Meg Rincker is a professor of political science at PNW. She is a faculty co-sponsor of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science club, for Model United Nations and Model Illinois Government team at PNW.
English & World Languages and History, Philosophy, Politics & Economics Associate Department Chair
Yu Ouyang’s teaching responsibilities include introductory and upper-level courses in American politics and quantitative methodology.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science at PNW
Purdue University Northwest’s political science degree program allows you to explore the world of government and politics both in the US and around the world to learn critical thinking, writing and communication skills.
To see how a bachelor’s degree in political science from PNW opens doors, from non-profit boardrooms to government buildings, take the next step today!
