Northern Illinois University
Department of Political Science
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Studying Political Science at NIU

We are committed to providing students seeking an undergraduate degree in political science with a variety of curricular and co-curricular opportunities that will position them for success after graduation. You have the opportunity to learn from award-winning faculty, take a wide array of courses on subjects related to both domestic and international politics and benefit from internship, mentorship, study abroad and research opportunities.

A Variety of Perspectives

An undergraduate degree in political science provides a broad liberal arts education. You examine timeless questions about justice and democracy while exploring contemporary issues of global concern.

The coursework and instruction helps develop communication, writing, critical thinking and research skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers.

Fast Facts

• Undergraduate Majors: Nearly 300
• Undergraduate Minors: Nearly 100
• Professorial Faculty: 13

Undergraduate Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
• Online Degree (B.A.)
• Accelerated B.S. or B.A./M.A. Program in Political Science

Degree Emphases

• International Politics
• Justice and Democracy
• Politics  and Governance
• Public Administration and Service
• Public Law

Required Credit Hours

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Political Science: 36
• Minor in Political Science: 18

Special Academic Opportunities

• Department Honors
• Internships
• Independent Studies
• Study Abroad (including POLS courses through NIU at Oxford)
• Mentorship Program

Minor in Political Science

We offers a minor for students with an interest in politics. In addition, we participate in the interdisciplinary minors in black studies, Chinese/Japanese studies, classical studies, environmental studies, gerontology, global studies, international studies, Latino and Latin American studies, public administration, Southeast Asian studies, urban studies, women’s studies and nonprofit and NGO studies.