Political Science

Political Science Bachelor’s Degree

At ONU, we not only talk politics at the dinner table; we live and examine politics nonstop. Major in political science at ONU, and you’ll get the big picture of how political systems work in the U.S. and abroad. You’ll explore government, electoral campaigns, international affairs, political behavior, public policy, diplomacy, and more, in depth.

Type of Offering

Major Minor

College

Arts & Sciences School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Political science is a fantastic major for a variety of careers. Employers in many fields, from business to law, health care to education, seek out people who are knowledgeable in politics. You’ll also learn how to lead, communicate, and think critically and analytically. These skills are in demand in today’s workforce.

Large institutions just can’t provide the individualized attention and opportunity you’ll find here. Our political science students serve in student government and co-author papers with their professors. They study abroad and intern in congressional offices. They head up student organizations and present their research at regional and national conferences.

Don’t settle for being a face in the crowd. Become part of a close-knit family. At ONU, you’ll enjoy small class sizes and amazing friendships with your classmates. Our dedicated and distinguished professors will get to know you. They will support you in your coursework, research, internships, and career preparations. They will become personally invested in your success and open doors for you. Several faculty have law degrees in addition to their PhDs and bring their real-world experiences into the classroom.

Upon graduation, you’ll be a seasoned professional who’s ready for whatever the future holds – whether it’s a job, law school, or a graduate program. The field is truly wide open!

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Political Science Courses, Curriculum & Program Resources

A political science major offers maximum flexibility. Double major and/or add a minor and still graduate in four years. Take classes like: Campaigns and Elections; International Law & Organizations; Public Health Policy; Film & Politics, and Human Rights.

SOLID OUTCOMES

- No political science program across the country has been honored with the outstanding chapter designation more times than our own by the national office of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society.

- In the past five years, our Mock Trial team garnered 45 individual or team awards at various competitions in the Midwest, while our Model UN team has recently earned honorable mention and outstanding position paper awards at regional and national competitions.

- In the last five years, 94 percent of our graduates were either employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Ignite your Passion

Find an internship you’ll love

We’ll connect you to opportunities at political campaigns, local or regional government, museums, nonprofits, private companies. Or, live, study, and work in Washington D.C. through The Washington Center program.

During the summer, Washington D.C. is full of interns from all over the world, and there is so much to see and do.

Gina Grandillo, BA ‘16, served as a legislative intern for a U.S. senator through The Washington Center’s summer program

Lead & Learn

If you’re ready to say “yes” to new experiences, you’ve picked the right major. Be prepared to join, lead, debate and travel.

Would you like to give voice to the issues and concerns facing Midwest citizens? ICAPP is ONU’s non-partisan, education-based institute dedicated to promoting civic literacy and to furthering understanding of public policy. You could collaborate with your professors and outside groups to conduct public opinion polls, write policy briefs, produce educational videos, and engage in high-quality research. These real world experiences will result in an incredible resume. Recently, we’ve supported timely polls on the 2020 Presidential Election and perceptions on Covid-19, resulting in media coverage in USA Today, New York Times, Forbes, The Guardian and more!
Gain firsthand experience in the art and science of political polling. The Northern Poll gauges citizen perceptions and policy positions, giving students the chance to learn about the polling process, how to draft and organize questions, and how to review and report results. Recently, ONU political science students conducted a poll on the 2020 Presidential election, and their results were covered in The Columbus Dispatch, The Dayton Daily News, the Lima News and radio stations in Toledo and Cincinnati.
Gain perspective on the U.S. justice system by participating in Mock Trial. You’ll develop research and communication skills and prepare for law school. Each year, we send ONU teams to the American Mock Trial Association’s intercollegiate mock trial competitions. Each team prepares either a civil or criminal case for litigation before a panel of two or three judges. With the resources of our Pettit College of Law, our Mock Trial teams receive excellent preparation and they excel at these competitions.
Learn about diplomacy and multiculturalism by participating in Model UN. Model UN is an academic organization that simulates the actions of the United Nations. Each year, ONU’s team attends different conferences and represents one of the countries currently recognized by the UN. Our team prepares to represent that country’s stance on real-world issues in mock committees at international competitions in Chicago and New York City in the fall and spring semesters.
Find yourself in the center of activity in the nation’s capital by participating in The Washington Center (TWC) program. TWC’s goal is to be a bridge between higher education and professional careers. TWC provide opportunities to work in the heart of government, meet people from all over the world, develop professional skills, build your resume and create a network of contacts. Many ONU students find full-time employment through their TWC experiences.
Expand your worldview and experience different cultures. We encourage our history majors to spend a semester or summer living, studying and traveling in another country. ONU’s extensive Study Abroad program has direct arrangements with several universities across the world. Our students have studied in Spain, South Korea, Cuba, England, Chile, France, China, Germany, Scotland, Costa Rica and Iceland.
As a political science major, you’ll be considered for five honorary societies that recognize academic achievement. Membership opens the door to opportunities for professional development, attendance at regional and national conferences, networking and more. The five honoraries are: Phi Alpha Theta (the oldest and most prestigious honor society in history); Phi Beta Delta (honor society of international scholars); Pi Sigma Alpha (political science honorary); Studia Socialia Americae (national social studies honor society); and Gamma Theta Upsilon (international honorary society in geography).
Forge relationships with professors who are nationally-recognized experts in their fields, sought out by local, regional and national media. They’ll teach your classes and become your mentors.

Becoming a political science major at ONU was one of the best things I could have ever done. The people and friends that I have met, and the experiences that I have had, only further established my love of politics and affirmed that I picked the right major.”

Cassie Krencisz, political science and communication studies major

End game: a fulfilling political science career

What will you choose?

Our graduates often receive multiple job offers and acceptance into several graduate schools or law schools. Check out where they’ve ended up.

Careers in Political Science:
- Business analyst
- Campaign worker
- Chamber of commerce manager
- City manager
- Communications directory
- Community relations director
- Congressional aide

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life

We would love to meet you and show you around!
Your health, safety and future are in good hands at Northern. We offer a host of services to keep you informed and meet your needs while you are on campus.

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Political Science Bachelor’s Degree

Political Science Courses, Curriculum & Program Resources

SOLID OUTCOMES

Ignite your Passion

Find an internship you’ll love

Lead & Learn

End game: a fulfilling political science career

What will you choose?

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life

Information for:

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Political Science Bachelor’s Degree

Political Science Courses, Curriculum & Program Resources

SOLID OUTCOMES

Ignite your Passion

Find an internship you’ll love

Lead & Learn

Institute for Civics and Public Policy (ICAPP)

Northern Pollsters

Mock Trial

Model UN

The Washington Center

Study Abroad

Honorary Societies

Personalized Attention, Renowned Professors

End game: a fulfilling political science career

What will you choose?

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life

Information for:

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