Undergraduate Program
Political Science combines up-to-date scholarship, personal attention, excellent teaching, and many opportunities to learn outside the classroom.
The major is broad and deep,, giving students a foundation for their study of politics and opportunities to enhance their education. Political Science offers over 50 different courses each semester with extensive offerings in American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Students choose from a large number of courses and also may take an ample number of classes in their area of interest.
An understanding of Political Science equips students with a strong base of knowledge and with the tools of political analysis. At the same time, Political Science connects with other disciplines and gives coherence and direction to undergraduate study.
Classes with Renowned Faculty
After graduation, many of our majors go on to advanced study of some sort, using their education not as job training but as a foundation that will help them discover and develop their interests for years to come.
Under the direction of Notre Dame’s leading political scientists, students learn valuable analytical skills that are crucial to the development of their academic and professional careers. Over 40 teaching and research faculty guide undergraduate students in the classroom and in individual research projects.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Internships
Political Science students pursue internships in order to learn more about the options available to them once they receive their degree. The Political Science Internship Program provides resources, application assistance, and credit for internships completed during the academic year or summer holiday.
Study Abroad
Students deepen their understanding of political science by experiencing the governments, culture, and languages of other countries. Political Science majors apply to study around the world—in cities from Beijing to Washington, D.C.
Undergraduate Research
Political Science majors develop arguments and gain skills in quantitative analysis by undertaking independent research projects. Guided by a faculty mentor, they have been successful in securing funding for their research, especially by applying for Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) grants from the College of Arts and Letters. UROP provides Research and Materials grants of up to $1500 and Summer grants of up to $3600 (up to $1,200 each month).
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Life After Graduation
A major in political science prepares students for a wide variety of vocations—indeed, the faculty’s goal is to prime students for a lifetime of learning and accomplishment, rather than to teach the skills needed for a particular entry-level job. Political Science majors write well, articulate ideas clearly, research thoroughly, and understand the workings of government, other countries, and international affairs.
Prepared for Graduate School
After graduation, many Political Science majors go on to advanced study of some sort, using their education not as job training but as a foundation that will help them discover and develop their interests. Many go directly to law school, to master’s programs in public policy or foreign affairs, or to Ph.D. programs in political science. Others complete a year or two of volunteer service or work in the private or public sector. They allow their experiences to inform their decisions to pursue graduate school.
Pursuing Success in a Variety of Careers
Not limited by the beltway in their search for employment, Political Science majors enjoy success in a variety of careers. They become respected journalists as well as ambassadors, corporate Web editors as well as assistants to members of Congress. Many become journalists, teachers, military officers, or volunteers with the Peace Corps. Graduates of Notre Dame's Political Science program run for public office, write fiction, clerk for Supreme Court justices, work on Wall Street, and serve the Catholic Church.
More Resources
Notre Dame's Career Center helps undergrduates organize job searches and the American Political Science Association provides booklets on topics releveant to undergraduates for a nominal fee. They are:
- "Careers and the Study of Political Science: A Guide for Undergraduates,
- "Storming Washington: An Intern's Guide"
- "Earning a Ph.D. in Political Science"