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Students talk while holding a group discussion

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Democracy. Justice. Security. Political science at the University of St. Thomas explores significant questions surrounding these themes throughout your undergraduate career. You will join a close-knit community focused on research and community engagement.

Why Study Political Science at St. Thomas?

We live in a time of amazing opportunities and daunting challenges, and our political climate reflects that. As a political science student at St. Thomas, you will become knowledgeable about the world through the lens of politics. By strengthening your writing, research and critical thinking skills, you will be equipped for a variety of careers in the public and private sectors. Students also compete in Mock Trial tournaments, participate in Model UN conferences and present research at regional and national conferences. Our alumni have gone on to work in law, politics, government relations, non-profit organizations and more.

Performing Your Civic Duty

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Outside of the Classroom
  • Scholarships
  • Course Requirements

    Throughout your time at St. Thomas, you will complete required courses focusing on government, public policy, world politics, research methods and political theory. From there, you will choose courses based on your interests. Whether you are interested more in American or judicial politics, you will have the flexibility to pursue topics of interest to you.

    Four-Year Plan

    Our program is flexible, so you can choose courses that fit your interests and goals. We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your college career.

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
    • Minor in Political Science

    Outside of the Classroom

    Through a civic partnership, two political science majors intern with the Citizens League each year. The Citizens League is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization championing the role of all ²ÝÁñÊÓƵns to govern for the common good and promote democracy.

    Scholarships

    Junior political science students can compete for the G.W.C. Ross Scholarship, an endowed fund named after a long-time department faculty member, for use in their senior year. Faculty select students based on their demonstrated academic excellence as measured by their GPA.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    Throughout your time at St. Thomas, you will complete required courses focusing on government, public policy, world politics, research methods and political theory. From there, you will choose courses based on your interests. Whether you are interested more in American or judicial politics, you will have the flexibility to pursue topics of interest to you.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    Our program is flexible, so you can choose courses that fit your interests and goals. We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your college career.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
    • Minor in Political Science

    Outside of the Classroom

    Outside of the Classroom

    Through a civic partnership, two political science majors intern with the Citizens League each year. The Citizens League is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization championing the role of all ²ÝÁñÊÓƵns to govern for the common good and promote democracy.

    Scholarships

    Scholarships

    Junior political science students can compete for the G.W.C. Ross Scholarship, an endowed fund named after a long-time department faculty member, for use in their senior year. Faculty select students based on their demonstrated academic excellence as measured by their GPA.
    Kate Weyenberg (Political Science and Justice and Peace Studies) poses for a portrait.

    Career Paths

    We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries after graduation.

    • Law
    • Data Analytics
    • Campaign strategist
    • Legislative assistant
    • Intergovernmental relations
    • Corporate or non-profit work

    Personal. Connected. Engaged.

    Political science students have access to a deep network of alumni, as well as faculty dedicated to teaching and research.

    20

    Our introductory course, Government and Politics, is capped at 20 students. Throughout your time at St. Thomas, you will be in small classes, which means you will have individualized attention from your ²ÝÁñÊÓƵs.

    Professional Network

    We have a strong and impressive network of political science alumni in Washington, D.C., that you can connect with and learn more about possible career paths.

    Civil Engagement

    Our graduates are civically engaged. Recent alumni were on the ballot in 2016 as lieutenant governor in the DFL primary election and city council races.

    Get Involved

    Political science students engage with the public and the St. Thomas community by applying their skills and knowledge in student clubs and organizations.
    The Model UN team represented Spain at the 2018 American Model United Nations International Conference in Chicago, and continues to participate in this conference each year.
    Mock Trial teams has competed in invitational tournaments at the University of ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ, Hamline University and the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
    Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, recognizes academic excellence within the discipline. Members organize events and panel discussions, plus an annual banquet with a keynote speaker.
    Political  Science video image.

    Daunting Problems, Amazing Opportunities

    Political science students at St. Thomas develop a practical skill set throughout their undergraduate career. No matter what their path is, their writing, research and critical thinking skills prepare them for a career in multiple industries.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.