Civic and Nonprofit Leadership

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  • Overview
  • Freshmen
  • Transfer
  • Related Programs

Overview

The Civic and Nonprofit Leadership option in Political Science focuses on U.S. government administration, nonprofit leadership, and public policy. This major provides students with key critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and ethical decision-making skills, to be prepared for a wide variety of careers in government, public administration, urban planning, non-profits, public policy advocacy and research, 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. Majors have excellent graduate school placement success. 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 Civic and Nonprofit Leadership at EIU? 

  • Gain hands-on experience through internships, study abroad, government simulations, or a research project.
  • Develop professional career and research skills in the senior capstone course.
  • Easily add a double-major or minor. 
  • Develop advanced public administration and geographic information systems skills, essential for jobs in city management, regional/urban planning, nonprofit, and government careers.
  • Earn a BA and MA in about 5 years through our accelerated graduate program (for qualified students).

Degree: B.A.

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

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Freshmen

First-year students can get involved in coursework and activities right away! Many of our students enroll in introductory courses, such as American Government, International Relations, Public Policy, and Political Theory. Our non-partisan Political Science Association hosts speakers and events throughout the year, and welcomes first-year students. You can also enroll in the Model Illinois Government and Moot Court simulations in your first year. Annual department events, like the fall picnic and spring awards ceremony, are great ways to connect with classmates and faculty. 

Transfer

Transfer students can take advantage of so many opportunities to develop and grow at EIU! Be sure to consider our government simulations, Model Illinois Government or Moot Court--both are great skill-builders, and a great way to meet classmates. Transfer students can also get involved with the non-partisan Political Science Association, which hosts speakers and events throughout the year. Your academic advisor will offer personalized mentoring for course selection and professional plans. Annual department events, like the fall picnic and spring awards ceremony are great ways to connect with classmates and faculty.

Name Type
Political Science Major
International Studies in Political Science Option (Undergrad)
Civic and Nonprofit Leadership Option (Undergrad)
Political Science Minor
Civic and Nonprofit Leadership Minor

First-year students can get involved in coursework and activities right away! Many of our students enroll in introductory courses, such as American Government, International Relations, Public Policy, and Political Theory. Our non-partisan Political Science Association hosts speakers and events throughout the year, and welcomes first-year students. You can also enroll in the Model Illinois Government and Moot Court simulations in your first year. Annual department events, like the fall picnic and spring awards ceremony, are great ways to connect with classmates and faculty. 

Dr. Melinda Mueller

Coleman Hall 2341
Email: mamueller@eiu.edu
URL: https://www.eiu.edu/polisci/