Major in Political Science

Few majors offer the opportunity to be at the forefront of addressing the underlying problems that continue to plague our societies.

From world peace to health care policy to economic growth and stability, graduates with a degree in political science are prepared to enter a world of policy and debate with the tools needed to effect change at all levels of society.

A political science major provides excellent preparation for a wide range of fields, including law, government and community service, journalism, management, policymaking, finance and communications.

Major Requirements

The major in political science requires grades of C- or better in a minimum of nine courses in the department: eight core courses and one elective course. The senior seminar should be taken during the term prior to graduation.

Core Courses

The following two courses are required:

• POL 201 American Federal Government (or equivalent)
• POL 445 Senior Seminar: Topics on Politics

American Politics

Choose two courses from the following:

• POL 202 American State and Local Government
• POL 240 Law and Politics
• POL 300 Urban Politics
• POL 305 The American Presidency
• POL 320 Congress
• POL 360 Public Policy and Administration
• POL 365 Environmental Politics and Policy
• POL 411 Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
• POL 412 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights

World Politics

Choose two courses from the following:

• POL 203 Introduction to World Politics
• POL 301 Politics of the Global North
• POL 302 Politics of the Global South
• POL 303 Politics of the Middle East
• POL 306 Politics of International Relations
• POL 307 American Foreign Policy
• POL 310 International Organization
• POL 311/HON 310 Model United Nations
• POL 406 Politics of International Economic Relations

Political Thought

Choose two courses from the following:

• POL 314 Classical Political Thought
• POL 315 Modern and Contemporary Political Theory
• POL 319 U.S. Political Thought
• POL 401 Feminist Political Theory
• POL 402 Political Justice

Electives

Choose one elective from the following (if not taken for the core):

The Minor

A minor in political science is a valuable asset to any major, because the study of political science enhances our ability to make informed decisions, contribute to society and provides a versatile set of skills that can be applied to many careers.

The minor in political science consists of a minimum of five courses, three of which must be above the 200 level. One course must be in political thought. At least three courses must be taken at Elmhurst University.

Licensure for Secondary Teaching

Students should convey their intentions to teach as soon as possible to the chair and must complete the Social Science Education major in the School of Education in addition to a Political Science major.

SEC 425 may fulfill the Political Science major elective credit for students pursuing Licensure. Students are required to pass the Middle Grades Social Science test (#204), political science content-area test (#247), and pass edTPA in order to get a Professional Educator License. See the Director of Secondary Education for further information.