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Political Science

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 one or two minors
  • Prepare for law school. Political Science is the top major for students pursuing the Pre-Law minor
  • Earn a BA and MA in about five years through the accelerated graduate program
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing 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 students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Political Science students study how governments and politics work, from global politics to urban planning and grassroots activism. The Political Science major develops your critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills, preparing you for a wide variety of careers. Over the last 10 years, over 40% of our majors attend law school or graduate school.

View in Catalog
$61,519
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • 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 Grow Rapidly · Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Conventional

Connect With Us

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

Message Dr. Swenson

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

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