Political Science (BA)

The University offers a bachelor of arts (BA) in political science.

The political science major is ideal for students interested in careers in public affairs, government, politics, community service, or journalism.

The major is designed to give students a solid foundation across the breadth of the discipline. The American politics and world politics core courses ensure a deeper foundation in the institutions and processes of politics in the U.S. and the world. Students who would like greater depth in one of these two areas may use electives in the major to create a concentration in either American politics or world politics.

The Department of Political Science provides students with a rewarding academic experience in and out of the classroom.

• As freshmen, students have the opportunity to be part of a student-centered learning community for political science and legal studies students. Throughout their college careers, students attend small- to medium-sized classes taught by full-time faculty members.
• As undergraduates, students have opportunities for faculty-directed research, both during the academic year and in the summer, on diverse subjects from public law and American politics to international affairs. Students may also participate in faculty-organized field studies throughout the year.
• Students also have opportunities to apply coursework and develop careers including internships with local, state, and national placements, some of which are eligible for support funds from the University.
• Co-curricular opportunities are also available that will enrich the academic experience. These include field study in Washington, D.C., study abroad, presentations by on-campus speakers, and other such events.
• In addition to the many active politically and socially conscious groups, clubs, and programs at ISU, the Political Science Department supports the American Democracy Project (ADP), a multi-campus initiative that seeks to engage students in democratic life. Students in both the Political Science program and the Legal Studies program are active participants in ADP programming. Through events, programming, field trips, and institutional-level engagement such as developing and implementing the Campus Vote Plan, ADP students are at the center of electoral and democratic engagement on our campus. ADP’s work has been recognized nationally including landing on Washington Monthly’s “Best Colleges for Student Voting” and receiving NASPA and Campus Vote Project’s “Voter Friendly Campus” distinction. Events sponsored by ISU’s ADP include voter registration drives, invited speakers, campus marches, presidential debate parties, State of the Union Tweet-Ups, hosting local candidate forums, and many more functions.
• Students also have the opportunity to become involved in community service, which may include organized volunteer efforts at local community centers, and many community engagement opportunities integrated into the curriculum.