Political Science Major

Political science is the study of power and the formal organizations of government. You can expect to learn about the government, activism, how governments come about and the story of change of power and the struggle for power. Today more than ever it is important to be an active citizen. This begins with your understanding of government structure and activism.

Program Details

Program Overview

As a political science major you will study American government and law, international relations and governments around the globe. As you master this content, you will hone the critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills that are prized by employers. Stritch political science graduates are serving in government and nonprofit organizations, practicing law and working in business.

Program Concentrations

This program is made up of the following concentrations. Learn more about concentrations.

Global Perspectives

Concentration Overview

This concentration provides students a global perspective on political science and history. In it, students will examine how global politics and international relations function and also obtain an understanding of the world’s history. This will help students develop a wide range of skills including research, analysis and problem solving.

Courses in this Concentration

Political Science

Concentration Overview

The Political Science concentration provides an in depth knowledge of political science. In it, students study American politics and government, law and political theory. This study will help students develop research, analysis, and communication skills.

Courses in this Concentration

Concentrations on this page are required for this program. Additional courses or concentrations may need to be added to meet program or credit requirements.

Program Coursework

The specific degree requirements on the website are for illustrative purposes and may change at any time. Please contact the Registrar's Office, Academic Advising or refer to the course catalog for detailed program requirements.

Liberal Arts Core

The Liberal Arts Core Curriculum is rooted in the Liberal Arts and our Franciscan heritage. It is designed to create a framework to develop knowledge, skills, and responsibilities necessary to educate students so that they will be prepared to contribute to the world guided by a concern for issues of justice and ethical behavior.

LEADERSHIP: 4 credits

Freshman Seminar (1 cr.)
Spiritual & Ethical Literacy (3 cr.)

FOUNDATIONAL LITERACIES/SKILLS: 12 credits

Personal Branding Communication (3 cr.)
Writing for the 21^st Century (3 cr.)*
Quantitative Problem Solving (3 cr.)*
Language & Culture (3 cr.)

*For ‘Writing for the 21^st Century’ (English) and ‘Quantitative Problem Solving’ (Math), you may need additional courses depending on your placement.

CORE LITERACIES: 15 credits – Choose one (1) course from each broad theme. Course options can be found in the course catalog or on the academic advising page. Broad themes are:

Narratives of Identity (3 cr.)
Science, Environment & Culture (3 cr.)
Social Tensions (3 cr.)
The American Experience (3 cr.)
Approving the Better Things (3 cr.)

Professional Core

Culminating Experience

Giving students a culminating experience as well as practical work experience, the Professional Core is a graduation requirement for every Stritch student in a bachelor’s degree program. This bachelor’s degree program includes completion of the Professional Core consisting of three courses: