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Bachelor's in Political Science (BA)

Political science is the study of the collective decisions that shape our common fate. Political scientists study topics including the outcome of elections, the acquisition and exercise of power, the causes of war, the design and function of electoral systems; the history of political thought; the adoption and implementation of public policies; the comparative efficacy of political systems around the world; the operation of legal systems, and many more.
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Location: Chicago
Start Term: Fall, Spring
Program Type: Major, Minor

As a major, political science offers students critical research, analysis and collaboration skills that are highly sought after in the emerging economy. Our graduates are equipped not only with these transferrable skills, but also with a solid foundation of knowledge about government that will serve them well in any number of careers.

What Differentiates Us

A Unique Approach To The Field

A Unique Approach To The Field

At Roosevelt University, students will approach the problems of the political world through the prism of social justice, asking how individuals, institutions and systems contribute to problems like inequality, poverty, discrimination, war, terrorism and climate change.

An Ideal Location

An Ideal Location

Roosevelt University is ideally located for studying political science, as students study politics in a global city that is also one of the country’s most dynamic metropolitan areas.

Hands-On Experience

Hands-On Experience

The department is deeply embedded in the local political community, and offers internships with elected officials such as Roosevelt alumnus Mike Quigley, a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Earn A Law Degree Faster

Earn A Law Degree Faster

For those considering a career in law, Roosevelt has an exciting partnership with the John Marshall Law School that allows students to complete their BA and JD in six years rather than seven.

Expectations & Requirements

Standards

Students must complete 11 courses in the major, with at least five courses at the 300 level. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Transfer students must take at least six political science courses at Roosevelt University. Majors are encouraged to take Economics 101 and 102 to acquire a broad expertise in public affairs. Students planning to pursue graduate study in political science are encouraged to discuss with their advisors appropriate courses of study in languages and statistics. Students planning to attend law school after graduation should consider pursuing a minor in legal studies and joining the Pre-Law Society.

Minor Requirements

The political science minor consists of six courses, including at least three of the introductory courses required of the major (POS 101, 102, 103, 104).

Three additional courses may be chosen from elective courses with the advice of a faculty advisor, and two of these must be at the 300 level. All courses in the minor must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Transfer students must complete at least three political science courses at Roosevelt University.

Sample Courses

  • Race in American Politics
  • The American Judiciary
  • Political Violence and Terrorism
  • The Politics of Climate Change
  • Constitutional Law
View Program Requirements View BA/MPA Accelerated Program Requirements View Minor Requirements

Outcomes

Career Options

Students with an undergraduate degree in political science may find employment in local, state or federal government, elections and campaigning, diplomacy and international affairs, advocacy organizations, nonprofit organizations, education, journalism and business. 

Preparation for advanced study
Political science is an excellent major for those considering law school or graduate study in public administration, foreign service or more specialized masters programs like Refugee Studies and International Development.
Grad Schools Attended By Our Alumni

he John Marshall Law School, American University Washington School of Law, IIT-Chicago Kent School of Law, University of Cincinnati College of Law, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, University of Kent Brussels School of International Studies, New York University Program in International Relations, The New School for Social Research MA in International Relations, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, DePaul University School of Public Service, University of Illinois-Springfield Master's in Public Administration, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University, Oakland University Master of Arts in Teaching, St. Xavier University, Master of Arts in Secondary Education and Teaching, Northwestern University Master of Public Administration

More Opportunities

Roosevelt's accelerated Political Science BA/MPA program offers undergraduate students working towards a political science BA an opportunity to simultaneously enroll in graduate courses towards a Master's in Public Administration degree. This accelerated program provides the student three advantages: the ability to complete the MPA in three semesters instead of four; a reduced cost for the joint Political Science BA/MPA option because the student would pay tuition for one less semester; and the ability to obtain a professional focused master's degree that will enhance the student's employment opportunities.

Clubs & Activities

Roosevelt University Pre-Law Society, Roosevelt University Debate Club

Testimonials

"In the Political Science program we are deeply committed both to the development of our students and our mission of transforming political systems. In and out of the classroom, we provide expert knowledge, one-on-one mentoring and career assistance for students. Our faculty are not just skilled educators, but also active scholars and public intellectuals who frequently include students in our research projects."

David Faris
​Associate Professor of Political Science, Roosevelt University