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.

Why Study Political Science at Valpo?

The Political Science Department at Valpo prepares you to become well-informed, engaged, and impactful citizens who understand the philosophy and practice of political systems. Through our concentrations in Legal Studies or Public Policy and Public Administration, you will learn about the political world in which you live and develop skills to critically and objectively analyze political information and to share your analysis with others.

The data analysis, writing, and communications skills that come with a Valpo Political Science degree will be useful no matter what career path you choose. Our graduates have worked on important policy issues like immigration, food safety, and education, and many have used their political science degree to launch careers in business.

Apply Today

Request Info

Schedule a Visit

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.

EXPLORE THE DEPARTMENT

General Information

What is Political Science?

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.

Major Requirements

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 211	Policy and Persuasion	3 credits
POLS 290	Topics in Political Science	3 credits
POLS 326	The Presidency	3 credits
POLS 327	Congress	3 credits
POLS 342	Political Ideologies	3 credits
POLS 240	Political Theory	3 credits
POLS 490	Adv Top: Poli Sci II	1 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 Science
Total	30 Credits

Minor Requirements

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

Political Science Concentrations

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 Con Law: Separation of Powers and Federalism	3 credits
POLS 372 Con Law: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties	3 credits
POLS 386 Internship in Political Science	1-7 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
International Relations Concentration	18 credit
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

Career Outcomes

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 government 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.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Program Rankings & Highlights

Internships

During Valpo's Washington DC Semester, you can intern while experiencing the life of the capital.

Experts & Mentors

Our professors help students develop their critical thinking, career paths and curiosity.

Get Involved

Our students can work on applied research projects that support NW Indiana community organizations.

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of business experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

Explore Directory