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Program Intro

Explore the world of government and politics in the U.S. and around the world. In this program, you’ll analyze political leaders, campaigns, voting, courts and legal systems, international relations, the governments and politics of other countries and much more. Along the way, you’ll learn the critical thinking, writing and communication skills that employers and graduate schools are looking for.

Department of Political Science, Economics, and World Languages & Cultures

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.

Beyond the Classroom

Our students 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
  • Indiana Legal Services
  • Urban League of Northwest Indiana
  • Lake County Libertarian Party
  • Town of Merrillville

 

Career Paths

This program prepares you for a range of careers, including:

  • Legislative assistant
  • Political strategist
  • Policy analyst

 

Employers

Graduates of this program are employed at organizations and companies like:

  • Department of Homeland Security
  • GE Digital
  • Arabella Advisors
  • University of Chicago
Magdalena Madrigal

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.

Magdalena Madrigal
Political Science, Naperville, Illinois

Meet the Faculty

Frank Colucci

Frank J. Colucci, Ph.D.

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.

Meg Rincker

Meg Bergin Rincker, Ph.D.

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.

Yu Ouyang

Yu Ouyang, Ph.D.

Associate Department Chair, English and World Languages and History, Philosophy & Political Science

Yu Ouyang’s teaching responsibilities include introductory and upper-level courses in American politics and quantitative methodology.

A PNW Student in the Classroom

Take the Next Step

See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.

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