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College of Arts & Sciences

Political Science

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Why pursue a political science degree at North Central College?

Political scientists make sense of how local, state and national policies and laws affect governments, businesses and citizens. Students who major in Political Science are prepared to understand complexities within politics across parties, closely examining the past, present and future of political decision making. At North Central College, you’ll work closely with faculty to explore topics such as foreign policy, the constitution, the role of the presidency and more. Political science prepares you for graduate school and a wide range of careers in various levels of government service, law, education, journalism, business and nonprofits.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Analyzing the exercise of power in the United States and global governments
  • Evaluating issues of justice, rights and the relationship between state and individual
  • Examining public policy and the political process

then a degree in POLITICAL SCIENCE might be for you.

Why study political science at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • American Foreign Policy
  • Comparative Politics
  • Congress: The Least Popular Branch
  • Constitutional Law
  • First Ladies: Symbol of American Womanhood
  • Great Decisions in International Politics
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Law, Politics and Society
  • Model United Nations
  • Political Psychology
  • Public Opinion and Political Behavior
  • Rights, Liberties and Justice
  • Scope and Practice of Political Science
  • Seminar in Political Science
  • The American Electoral Process
  • The American Political System
  • The Politics of the Presidency
  • Women in American Politics

Beyond the Classroom

As a political science major, you can:

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Monitor political candidates and cycles or do research with faculty members.
  • Present your own research projects at the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research and other forums.
  • Attend a professional political conference, such as the Midwest Political Science Conference in Chicago.
  • Gain valuable practical experience in law and international relations through the faculty-led Mock Trial and Model United Nations organizations.
  • Get involved politically through NCC College Democrats or Republicans or Student Governing Association.

Campus Virtual Tour

More Department Information

Political Science, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Political Science.

A minimum of 32 credit hours, including:

Electives

The remaining credit hour requirements must include at least one course from each of the following areas:

American Politics

World Politics

Law and Courts

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Political Science Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Political Science.

A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:

Electives

A minimum of 12 credit hours of Political Science, with at least four credit hours at the 300-level.

 Political Science Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

Recent graduates in political science have served as:

  • Intern, White House
  • Campaign intern, U.S. Representative Judy Biggert, Naperville
  • Consulting firm, Coleman Group, Chicago
  • Senate press intern, Office of U.S. Senator Richard Durbin, Chicago
  • Volunteer relations intern, World Relief, Aurora, IL
  • Legislative assistant, Illinois Physical Therapy Association, Naperville
  • Youth intern, Global Vision International, Esteli, Nicaragua
  • Law clerk, Keough and Moody P.C., Naperville
  • Office of Member of British Parliament Vincent Cable, London, England

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in political science have been accepted at:

  • Yale University
  • University of Kentucky
  • John Hopkins University-SAIS
  • American University
  • The John Marshall Law School
  • University of Illinois-Chicago
  • Bush School of Government and Service, Texas A&M University
  • The George Washington University
  • St. Louis University School of Law
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law
  • Fordham University
  • DePaul University
  • University of San Diego
  • Appalachian State University
  • University of Chicago
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • The Ohio State University

Careers

Recent graduates in political science include:

  • Manager of federal government relations, Darden Restaurants, Orlando, FL
  • Associate attorney, Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., Woodridge, IL
  • Associate director of global operations, Peace Corps
  • Assistant state’s attorney, DuPage County
  • Community resource coordinator, Lupus Foundation of America, Heartland Chapter
  • Vice president of advocacy, economic growth and quality of life, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Naperville, IL
     

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Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

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