Overview

Political Science analyzes how governments and politics work, from global governance, to local communities and schools. The Political Science major provides students with critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and ethical skills, to be prepared for a wide variety of careers in government, law, non-profits, education, and the private sector. Our students are leaders, change agents, problem solvers--skills necessary for all careers. Our students are adaptable and flexible, ready to learn new skills as fields and technology develop. Our students care--they are already leaders on campus and in our community. They want to make a difference, and we hope you join us!

Why study Political Science at EIU? 

• All of our small classes are taught by department faculty. Our faculty care about you--we learn your names, we mentor you, we support you in the learning process.
• All students complete an applied learning experience through internship, study abroad, government simulations, independent study, or an honors thesis, and write and present a research project in their senior capstone course.
• Our program is flexible, allowing you to complete a double-major and/or minors. 
• We offer an accelerated graduate program for qualified students, where you can earn a B.A. and M.A. in 5 years and a 3+3 B.A./law degree with Northern Illinois University for qualified students.

Degree: BA

Completion time: 39 hours

Internships:

Numerous internship opportunities exist, including Congressional offices and campaigns, law offices, city managers, non-profits, and Washington, D.C. internships. Students interested in pre-law internships should contact our Pre-Law advisor, Dr. Karen Swenson (kbswenson@eiu.edu), while students interested in all other Political Science internships should contact our Internship Coordinator, John Morris (jsmorris@eiu.edu). 

Resources

- Program Information in EIU Catalog