Majors, minors & Programs
Political Science students at EIU explore how governments, policies, and political systems work at the local, national, and global level.
Organized around hands-on learning and flexible pathways, the program builds strong skills in critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
Over the past 10 years, more than 40 percent of Political Science majors have gone on to law school or graduate school. Alumni work in government agencies, nonprofits, political campaigns, legislative offices, research organizations, and the private sector.
Political Science majors care about making an impact. They are leaders on campus, engaged in the community, and ready to adapt to new challenges, technologies, and careers.
Majors & Options
All Political Science majors complete 40 credit hours and gain access to internships, research opportunities, government simulations, and study abroad.
Political Science MajorIdeal for students interested in law, public service, policy, advocacy, or leadership across many fields
Why choose Political Science at EIU?
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Gain hands-on experience through internships, simulations, research projects, and study abroad
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Build professional and research skills valued by employers and graduate schools
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Easily add a double major or one or two minors
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Prepare for law school. Political Science is the top major for students pursuing the Pre-Law minor
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Earn a BA and MA in about five years through the accelerated graduate program
Career paths of recent graduates include:
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Government agencies at the local, state, and federal level, including military and foreign service
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Law and legal research
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Political campaigns, nonprofits, advocacy, and policy work
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Higher education and university administration
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Finance, banking, healthcare, insurance, and government relations
Internships
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Students complete internships with congressional offices, political campaigns, law offices, city managers, nonprofit organizations, and through Washington, D.C. programs.
Civic & Nonprofit Leadership OptionIdeal for students interested in community impact, public service, and organizational leadership
Focuses on leadership in U.S. government, public administration, nonprofits, and public policy.
What makes this option unique?
- Advanced coursework in public administration and geographic information systems
- Preparation for careers in city management, urban and regional planning, nonprofit leadership, and government agencies
- Strong foundation for law school or graduate study
Students complete the same 40 credit hours and have access to the same internship and experiential learning opportunities as the Political Science major.
Academic Planning FormInternational Studies OptionTakes an interdisciplinary approach to global politics and international policy
Students in this option:
- 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
Completion requirements:
- 40 credit hours in Political Science
- Intermediate-level foreign language proficiency
Graduates pursue careers with federal agencies, international organizations, global corporations, and graduate or law programs.
Academic Planning Form
Political Science Programs
Accelerated Graduate Program
Qualified students may begin taking graduate coursework during their junior year and double-count up to nine credit hours. This allows completion of both a BA and MA in Political Science in about five years.
Learn MoreJoint BA/JD Program
Students may complete a BA in Political Science at EIU and a law degree from Northern Illinois University in six years rather than the traditional seven.
Learn MorePolitical Science Honors
Students graduate with departmental honors by completing an honors thesis under faculty mentorship and enrolling in a graduate-level seminar.
Learn MoreMinors
All minors require 18 credit hours and pair easily with a wide range of majors.
Political Science Minor
This minor strengthens understanding of government, public policy, and political systems and signals strong analytical skills to employers and graduate schools.
Highlights:
- Flexible course options, including online coursework with planning
- Hands-on learning through internships, simulations, research, and study abroad
- Works especially well with majors in business, criminal justice, communications, education, health, humanities, and social sciences
Civic & Nonprofit Leadership Minor
Focused on public administration, nonprofit management, policy, and community leadership.
Students gain:
- Practical leadership and organizational skills
- Experience with advocacy, grassroots organizing, and community engagement
- Coursework that fits easily alongside majors in business, communications, health administration, human services, and social sciences
Some coursework is available online.
Learn MorePolitical Campaigning Minor
This interdisciplinary minor combines Political Science, Public Relations, and Theatre to prepare students for work in political campaigns and public service.
Students learn:
- Campaign strategy and political systems
- Strategic communication and public messaging
- Public speaking, performance, and presentation skills
- The minor includes six credit hours in each discipline for a total of 18 credit hours.