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 foundation in Christian Science leads us to approach the study of politics with the expectation that the most challenging aspects of governance and politics around the globe can be addressed effectively.
- Our faculty model intellectual curiosity and professionalism.
- The difference is character: Principia faculty are trained to support the development of all aspects of students’ character: intellectual, civic, moral, performance/professional, and spiritual.
- Department faculty have published in top journals and references sources, regularly present papers and chair panels at leading political science conferences, and frequently deliver talks to various audiences on topics of international and national importance.
- 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 help students secure 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 and exit polling, 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. In 2023, Dr. Sarah Andrews will take students to Malawi for a study abroad program focused on urban-rural divides.
Note: See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and departmental learning outcomes.
