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