Undergraduate

Political Science

Discover your path in politics and policy

Political Science major

Interested in a career in government, politics, public policy, or advocacy? At 91快播, our Political Science program gives you the flexibility to tailor your coursework to your interests while gaining practical experience inside and outside the classroom. You鈥檒l engage in policy debates, conduct and analyze public opinion polls, build mock political campaigns, write judicial opinions and presidential evaluations, and complete an individual research project based on your interests.

Learning extends beyond campus through opportunities like the Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP), the John C. Culver Public Policy Center, Model United Nations, internships with government offices and political campaigns, and study abroad experiences. Whether you plan to work in government, nonprofits, campaigns, journalism, lobbying, public policy, or government relations, or pursue graduate or law school, the Political Science program helps you develop the critical thinking, research, writing, communication, and analytical skills to succeed.

 

 

Why 91快播 for Political Science?

What Will I Learn?

You鈥檒l learn how government, political systems, public policy, and global affairs shape the world around us. Through a flexible curriculum, you鈥檒l develop critical thinking, research, writing, communication, and analytical skills while exploring topics that match your interests. You鈥檒l also gain experience evaluating complex issues, preparing you for careers in government, politics, nonprofits, and beyond.

Graduate School Ready

Our faculty will prepare you for every step of applying to and getting accepted into high-quality graduate or medical schools after graduation. Here are a few examples of schools where 91快播 alumni have studied:

  • Arizona State University: Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
  • Creighton University School of Law
  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • Iowa State University
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
  • University of Minnesota Law School
  • University of Tennessee

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where 91快播 alumni are building their careers:

  • Agricultural Retailers Association
  • American Federation for Children
  • Cupola Consulting
  • Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives
  • Iowa Legislature
  • Iowa Governor’s Office
  • Lighthouse Legal Services
  • National Organization for Women
  • U.S. Attorney’s Office
  • U.S. Senate

Professors Who Care

The political science department is privileged to have a cohort of incredibly intelligent professors who offer a diverse roster of interesting and challenging courses. My political science professors at 91快播 were highly influential in my decision to attend law school and integral to my academic success.

Abby Meyer 鈥24

- Political Science Major

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at 91快播.

The John C. Culver Public Policy Center is dedicated to civic engagement and public service. It was established at 91快播 in 2010 to honor John C. Culver, who served the people of Iowa for 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. His tenure was marked by a tireless pursuit of policies to ensure justice at home and peace abroad, and he is widely respected for his integrity and political courage by both Republicans and Democrats who served with him in Congress.

We strive to honor Culver鈥檚 example. The center鈥檚 nonpartisan programs educate and inspire active participation in our democracy and encourage young people to consider public service as their life鈥檚 work.

Learn More

Model UN provides a forum for discussion of major issues facing the international community, from security and human rights issues to economic development and trade, and more. In addition, members of the group spend time preparing for participation in the Midwest Model UN Conference that takes place in February.

Pre-Law Society is open to any student who is thinking about law school. The group invites speakers to the campus and takes field trips related to the legal profession. Pre-Law Society is a link to advice on choosing and applying to a law school, information on areas of legal specialization and practice and current issues in law. The group attends Dwight Opperman Lectures featuring U.S. Supreme Court Justices and arranges field trips to Drake Law School, University of Iowa Law School and Nebraska law schools.

As a non-partisan group, we educate and provide resources in today’s times for politics. We help students register to vote and give resources on where to vote. We present to every Foundations class to educate them on how to vote and where to vote.

Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, is the only honor society for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students of government in the United States.

The Andrew Goodman Foundation (AGF) sparks leadership in students across the country by encouraging and supporting student ambassadors to fight for injustice, address social issues and increase community participation. Here on campus, our AGF Ambassadors work to empower 91快播 students to advocate, activate and organize. The Andrew Goodman Foundation allows students to build leadership and professional skills to prosper after graduation simultaneously building a potent national millennial network which fights for justice.

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Meet Our Faculty

Eduardo Magalh茫es III

  • Ruth Harp Chair in Political Science
  • Director of Latin American Studies and Professor of Political Science
Denise Leifker

Denise Leifker

  • Associate Professor
  • Department Chair Sociology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Political Science
  • Director Master's in Criminal Justice