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Political Science

Program(s) Available: B.A., B.A.S., B.S., Minor

Are you interested in understanding the exercise of power and governments in various settings? Do you keep up with current events? Majoring in political science may be right for you.

Why Study Political Science at Northwest

Earning a political science degree at Northwest prepares students for multiple employment opportunities in public service and private sectors. Career examples include: federal, state and local government, law, the criminal justice system, municipal planning, city management, urban affairs, education, nonprofit administration, campaigns and elections, public policy analysis and internal development.

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science introduce the student to the decision-making processes that guide, direct, and determine a society’s behavior. Courses focus on the politics and administration of government and factors involved in the competition for political power.

Pick your path

Political Science (minor required) - B.A. or B.S.

This noncomprehensive major allows students to combine their interests in other fields through their minor with a degree that will allow for additional specialization while working in the public or private sector.

Political Science 4-year plan (B.A.)

American Institutions B.S.

An emphasis in American institutions provides an understanding of legislatures, police prosecutors, public offenders, courts and corrections.

AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS 4-year plan (B.S.)

Global Affairs B.S.

The global affairs emphasis focuses on global trends and events while enhancing intercultural understanding. 

GLOBAL AFFAIRS 4-year plan (B.S.)

Public Administration B.S.

The public administration emphasis centers on the decision-making process and explores job opportunities in public organizations and local, state, federal and international agencies.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 4-year plan (B.S.)

B.A.S (Transfer only)

For transfer students the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) is a flexible, individually tailored degree for students pursuing a vocational, technical or associate degree. Coursework for these degrees build on workplace skills and practical career training provided by an associate degree. Students may find a B.A.S. appealing for the following reasons:

  • Shorter time to degree by maximizing the transfer of vocational and technical courses toward a four-year degree
  • Requires fewer Northwest Core courses (general education courses)
  • A personalized and flexible degree plan
  • Cost-effective

Please note this program is not a traditional four-year program. It is structured for transfer students. Check out more on the benefits of our B.A.S. programs.

Minor programs

Two minors are also available. A minor in political sciences teaches students the fundamentals of American government and politics, comparative politics and international relations, public administration and law and courts. Students also learn about early and modern Western political thought.

A minor in public administration examines public policy and analyzes the American federal system and public policy in terms of personnel and budget administration.

Check out the catelog for more details.

Career ready
Political Science

“The professors I interacted with were absolutely wonderful. They seemed to really care about student success and were very helpful to me in understanding the campus community at Northwest.” — Lucas Fansler

Career Opportunities

  • Prosecutor
  • Legislative, executive or judicial services
  • Federal agent
  • Lobbyist
  • Campaign manager

What Can I Do With a Major in Political Science?

Mock Trial Team

In the Mock Trial Team, students compete in trial simulations at invitational and American Mock Trial Association-sanctioned regional and national tournaments and Bearcat Invitational hosted annually at Northwest.

Mock Trial Team
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