Programs of Study

The discipline of political science helps students develop their minds and, one hopes, also their characters to become decent, responsible, and informed citizens. Aristotle said that political science is the architectonic science because it is concerned with the comprehensive good for human beings. The ordinary citizen has decent opinions about justice and the common good. The educated citizen should move from opinion toward understanding and knowledge, while maintaining good will, sincerity, tolerance, generosity, and fairness. A political education in the liberal arts tradition helps students develop the ability to engage in rational and civil discourse about politics, look at difficult political issues from contrary points of view, and make prudent political judgments based on sound reflection.

The program’s course offerings cover the full range of subfields in the discipline of political science: American government and politics, including constitutional law; political theory; comparative politics; and international relations, including American foreign policy.

The program supports students seeking opportunities for off-campus experiences in regular semester or summer internships. In recent years, students have had internships in law offices, on political campaigns, and with the national government.

An undergraduate major in political science provides a good foundation for careers in politics, public administration, international service, law, business, journalism, and education as well as graduate work in the discipline. Political science has long been the traditional major of choice for students who plan to attend law school. While law schools do not require any particular undergraduate major, the study of politics, including courses that make use of legal materials and legal reasoning and that illumine the political context of court decisions, is arguably the most logical and appropriate area for those intending a career in law. Pre-law students should consult with faculty in the program on which particular courses in political science and in other programs would most suitably prepare them on matters having to do with applying to and success in law school. Students interested in majoring in political science for the purpose of becoming secondary school teachers should work with the Education Department to ensure that all requirements are met for licensure in Illinois.

The Political Science program offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Political Science (B.A. or B.S.)
– concentrations: American Studies, Constitutional Studies, Legal Studies, Political Ideas, Politics & Culture, War & Peace
Political Science Minor

Sociology (B.A./B.S.)

The discipline of sociology explores the nature, structure, and dynamics of social life. Students who study sociology will gain a better understanding of social issues that are especially affected by relations among groups, paying close attention to the interplay of such factors as class, race, ethnicity, sex/gender, religious belief, and national identity. The field of sociology looks at how society is organized, where power lies, what beliefs influence our behavior, and how societies have evolved over time. The study of sociology teaches students how to think about individuals, groups, institutions, communities, and societies and how to use the scientific method to ask and answer social research questions using data. Sociology helps students develop their skills in written and oral communication, critical and quantitative thinking, and research and design methods.

The program supports students seeking opportunities for off-campus experiences in regular semester or summer internships.

Sociology majors go on to pursue careers in fields as diverse as business, public administration, social and community services, social research, law, and education.

The Sociology program offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Sociology (B.A. or B.S.)
Sociology Minor

Criminal Justice (B.A./B.S.)

Criminal justice is an interdisciplinary field which prepares students for a wide range of careers in such diverse fields as law enforcement (local, state, and federal), probation and parole, pre-trial services, law, homeland security, fish and game conservation, and public advocacy. Students in this program complete coursework in criminal justice, sociology, and political science. The study of criminal justice helps students develop their skills in written and oral communication, critical thinking and decision making, research and analysis, and social awareness and ethical responsibility.

Students who pursue the criminal justice degree have a wide range of academic internship opportunities to earn credits in fulfillment of graduation requirements while working for a semester in an agency or organization in the community.

The Criminal Justice program offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Criminal Justice (B.A. or B.S.)
Criminal Justice Minor

Forensics Minor (Beginning Spring 2025)

The Forensics Minor is interdisciplinary and exposes students to concepts and skills of social and natural science disciplines that relate to legal matters. The Forensics Minor can be a useful supplement to a major in a variety of disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Computer Science, and Psychology. A minor in Forensics will help students develop skills that will be useful in a wide range of careers.

Additional Information

Academic Catalog

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