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Political Science

Also offered as: Graduate , Minor , Political Campaigning (Minor) , Political Science: Civic & Nonprofit Leadership (Undergraduate Option) , Political Science: International Studies (Undergraduate Option) , Pre-Law Studies (Minor)

Eastern Illinois University's Political Science majors develop strong social science research skills, critical thinking skills, and communication skills for a wide range of careers. Most majors enter careers in law, federal, state, and city agencies, nonprofit organizations, higher education, and government advocacy positions.

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Political Science

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 40 in Major
Careers
Managers
Political Science students at EIU

Why Study Political Science at EIU?

  • Gain hands-on experience through internships, simulations, research projects, and study abroad
  • Build professional and research skills valued by employers and graduate schools
  • Easily add a double major or multiple minors
  • Prepare for law school: political science is the top major for students pursuing the pre-law
  • Earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in about five years through the accelerated graduate program
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"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Political Science | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Political Science at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Students complete internships with congressional offices, political campaigns, law offices, city managers, nonprofit organizations, and Washington, D.C. programs
  • Get real-world experience with the Peace Corps Prep Program
  • Build skills in speaking, argument, and thinking quickly on your feet through Moot Court
  • Simulate key state policy-making roles such as government leaders or take on roles as lobbyists and journalists in Model Illinois Government
  • Explore global and diplomatic leadership via Model United Nations
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Political Science students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Political Science focuses on how governments and politics work, from global affairs and public policy to urban planning and grassroots activism. It is a fit if you follow current events, enjoy debating ideas and want to build strong critical thinking, writing and communication skills. You will study areas such as American government, international relations, public administration and public policy, and complete a research methods course.

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$61,519
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Regulatory Affairs Managers
  • Compliance Managers
  • Loss Prevention Managers
  • Wind Energy Development Managers
  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists…
  • Political Scientists
  • Social Science Research Assistants
  • Political Science Teachers,…
  • Secondary School Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
Openings: Employers are expected to need at least 75,000 people for this career over the next several years. That count includes new jobs created by growth and spots opened when workers move on.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly / Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit ConventionalConventional interest typeYou like order and detail. This work involves organizing information or data by following set procedures and rules, usually in an office.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Karen Swenson
Department Chair, Professor, and Pre-Law Coordinator, Political Science
kbswenson@eiu.edu
2341 Coleman Hall
217-581-2523
Karen Swenson Message Karen

Message Karen

or email kbswenson@eiu.edu directly
John Morris
Senior Instructor and Undergraduate Advisor, Political Science
jsmorris@eiu.edu
3681 Coleman Hall
217-581-5989
John Morris Message John

Message John

or email jsmorris@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

Related Programs

Civic & Nonprofit Leadership Philosophy Political Campaigning Political Science: Civic & Nonprofit Leadership Political Science: International Studies Pre-Law Studies Sustainability Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies > View All Programs

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