Skip to main content
Eastern Illinois University

Political Science: International Studies

Take an interdisciplinary approach to global politics and international policy. Build critical thinking and communication skills for careers in diplomacy, international education, global development and more, with internships, simulations and study abroad.

Apply to EIU MyEIU
Political Science: International Studies

Request Info: Political Science: International Studies

We know you have questions about Political Science: International Studies at EIU, and we don't want to leave a single one unanswered. Submit the form below for a personal response to your inquiry.

Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 48 in Major
Careers
Managers
Political Science: International Studies students at EIU

Why Study Political Science: International Studies at EIU?

  • Study global politics, diplomacy, and international development
  • Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills for international careers
  • Build proficiency in a second language
  • Prepare for careers in diplomacy, foreign service, international nonprofits, multinational corporations, and global education
  • Graduates pursue careers with federal agencies, international organizations, global corporations, and graduate or law programs.
"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: International Studies | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Political Science: International Studies at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Students complete internships with congressional offices, political campaigns, law offices, city managers, nonprofit organizations, and through Washington, D.C. programs.
  • Peace Corps Prep Program
  • Moot Court
  • Model Illinois Government
  • Model United Nations
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Political Science: International Studies students at EIU

What You'll Learn

International Studies takes an interdisciplinary focus on global politics and policy. It is a fit if you are curious about the world, enjoy discussion and writing and want to build a second language. You will develop critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills and can gain hands-on experience through internships, government simulations, research projects or study abroad, and easily add a double major or minor.

View in Catalog
$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
  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists…
  • Political Scientists
  • Political Science Teachers,…
  • Wind Energy Development Managers
  • Social Science Research Assistants
  • 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
Michael Cornebise
Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences & Professor, Geography
mwcornebise@eiu.edu
2214
217-581-7486
Michael Cornebise Message Michael

Message Michael

or email mwcornebise@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

Still Exploring?

Add any program to your comparison or browse all options.

Spanish
Minor
Mathematics for Teacher Licensure
Minor • Undergraduate Option • B.A. w/ Licensure
Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway
Undergraduate Option • B.S.
Teaching of Writing Certificate
Graduate Certificate • Certificate
Sociology
Major • B.A. • Minor
Music: Open Studies
Undergraduate Option • B.A.
French for Teacher Licensure
Minor • Undergraduate Option • B.A. w/ Licensure
Emergency Management
Major • B.A.A.S.
← Back
0 of 3 selected Compare →