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Home » Academics » Majors and Minors

Political Science / International Relations

The field of political science focuses on power. Explore the pursuit of, use of, and restraints on power.  

OverviewAfter PrincipiaFaculty

Political science is the systematic study of government, politics, and the policy process. We analyze structures, functions, processes, and systems of government; the political behavior of candidates, elected officials, and the public; and the formation of public policy, including the conflicts and compromises that accompany the making of and implementation of public policies. Our program, which includes the study of American and international perspectives, attracts high-powered, self-motivated students who embrace the ideals of academic accomplishment, intellectual curiosity, and professionalism. 

Major and Minor Offered

  • Political Science—Politics and Policy Concentration (BA major and minor)
  • Political Science—International Relations Concentration (BA major and minor)

Why Study Political Science at Principia College

  • Our approach to studying politics is grounded in a metaphysical foundation that helps effectively address unsavory aspects of politics.
  • Our faculty model intellectual curiosity and professionalism.
  • Department faculty have presented more than 50 papers, presentations, and workshops; published half a dozen articles and reviews, and served in leadership positions in professional organizations.
  • Our students present original research at professional conferences, win awards for academic achievement, and serve in leadership positions on campus.
  • Our faculty coach students for Model United Nations, Model Illinois Government, and Moot Court competitions, and our teams often bring awards back to campus.
  • Our students compete with Principia’s award-winning mediation team in the U.S. and abroad. 
  • We’ve developed career-related internships with congressional offices, political campaigns, media organizations, government agencies, think tanks, and nonprofit organizations around the globe.
  • Our students participate in live election night coverage, exit polling, and actual lobby lawmakers at the U.S. Capitol, along with other hands-on learning activities.
  • Our program emphasizes transferable skills, including effective oral and written communication, critical thinking and analysis, information literacy, research methodology, and ethical reasoning.

Study Abroads and Field Programss

Principia study abroad and field programs are open to all majors, and students are encouraged to apply for any abroad program that interests them. All abroads involve individual research that students can tailor to their interests. Political Science students have taken study abroads to China, Vietnam, India, Nepal, England, Spain, Greece, and Turkey, expanding their understanding of the political, social, and cultural dynamics in these countries. In 2016 and 2020, Dr. Brian Roberts led students on a field program, "Race to the White House." Students followed presidential candidates through the campaign process starting with the influential Iowa caucuses and the primary contests in New Hampshire.

Note: See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and departmental learning outcomes.

Our graduates report that they are well-prepared for graduate and professional study, noting strengths in writing, speaking, self-confidence, research skills, time management, and self-discipline. In addition, our required social science research methods course has benefited many graduates in their careers.

Our graduates have attended graduate or law school at top universities, including the following:

  • Harvard University    
  • Oxford University             
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Virginia
  • American University
  • College of William & Mary
  • University of Denver
  • University of Suffolk
  • Tufts University
  • Clemson University
  • Pepperdine University
  • Florida International University
  • Princeton University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Washington University
  • Georgetown University
  • Duke University

Our graduates are currently working in a variety of professional positions:

  • Elected representatives in state and local government
  • Staffers for U.S. congressional offices and committees
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Attorneys in various fields, including prosecutors
  • National defense and intelligence analysts
  • Research professionals with nonprofit organizations
  • Foreign Service officers
  • Armed forces officers
  • Business and corporate managers
  • Journalists
  • Lobbyists and public relations specialists
  • Educators

From Our Alumni

"My majors have helped me immensely in securing both a position and a promotion in the Senate. My Political Science major gave me the background in government processes I needed to jump in right after college, while my English major has helped to set me apart as a confident and quality writer."

--2019 graduate now working as Director of Operations for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

"My majors have helped me immensely in securing both a position and a promotion in the Senate. My Political Science major gave me the background in government processes I needed to jump in right after college, while my English major has helped to set me apart as a confident and quality writer.” 

--2019 graduate working for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

"My political science professors exposed me to new ideas and new modes of thinking. They challenged me in all the right ways and set me up for success not just in my career, but in life overall. My professors were both professional and personal role models to me, and I'm grateful for my continuing friendships with them today."

--2016 graduate working as an Energy Reporter for Politico

Dr. Brian D. Roberts
Professor of Political Science
Chair of the Political Science Department
618.374.5231
Faculty Profile
Dr. Julie Blase
Professor of Political Science
618.374.5233
Faculty Profile
William Buchanan
Visiting Faculty
Faculty Profile
Overview | After Principia | Faculty

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