The political science major is now closed and is no longer accepting students into the major.
Are you fascinated by American politics? Want to make a difference in your community, state, and country?
If you are passionate about important local, national, and international issues like healthcare, education, the economy, civil rights, and foreign relations, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science may be a great fit for your interests and career goals.
By exploring United States political history, systems, and structures in addition to contemporary political trends, challenges, and opportunities, we’ll help you build a firm foundation for a great career.
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze governments, policies, political and social trends, and related issues.
As a political science major, you will acquire the knowledge and tools you need to better explain, describe, compare, and predict U.S. political outcomes.
You’ll also develop the problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership, and other skills that top employers and graduate schools seek.
To add more depth to your studies—and further define your career interests and options—consider adding one of these academic concentrations to your plan of study:
Other minors or concentrations from which you might choose:
What else does Marian University’s political science program have to offer?
To earn the 128-credit Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree, you’ll complete at least 33 credits of courses focused on political science, including:
You’ll also complete at least five additional POL courses at or above the 300 level. Working closely with your academic advisor, you can choose from courses on topics like:
If you choose one of our concentrations, you will complete courses relevant to that concentration (i.e., law studies, political leadership and engagement, or international affairs) in addition to the core courses all political science majors are required to take.
Earning a B.A. in political science at Marian will prepare you to directly enter the workforce after graduation and/or to be a competitive candidate for admission to graduate school.
Upon completing your B.A. in political science, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to pursue full-time employment in a range of settings, including business, government, media, education, and nonprofit organizations.
According to a 2019 article from thebalancecareers.com, the top ten jobs for political science graduates are:
Some political science majors are interested in pursuing international careers that lead them to employment or travel to other countries. Among the employment options for graduates who want to work overseas:
If you plan to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in a field like law, public policy, public administration, international affairs, public health, environmental policy, human rights, or foreign relations, you’ll work closely with your academic advisor to select the most relevant and meaningful undergraduate courses.
Our faculty advisors can also help you prepare for the LSAT, GRE, GMAT, and other exams that may be required by graduate schools.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), here are employment projections for jobs related to political science.
Occupation | Growth through 2026 | Median 2017 salary |
---|---|---|
Political scientist* | 3 percent | $115,110 |
Judge or hearing officer* | 5 percent | $115,520 |
Law enforcement (police officers and detectives) | 7 percent | $62,960 |
Emergency management director | 8 percent | $72,720 |
Attorney (lawyer)* | 8 percent | $119,250 |
Arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator | 10 percent | $60,670 |
Public relations and fundraising manager | 10 percent | $111,280 |
Program and management analyst | 14 percent | $82,450 |
Market research analyst | 23 percent | $63,230 |
*NOTE: Occupations followed by an asterisk require graduate study and a master's, Ph.D., or J.D. degree.
© 2021 Marian University
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection
of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.
Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
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