Undergraduate

What is the political science major?

A professor stands at a wooden podium in a tiered lecture hall, gesturing as he addresses students. A projected slide behind him displays a graph and a list of 2016 Republican presidential primary candidates. Students sit at desks in the lecture hall, some using laptops.

Study politics and governance through rigorous academic inquiry and practical engagement. This rich foundation sets Notre Dame students up to grasp political thought to analyze complex governing systems, understand global challenges, and shape the future of societies through rigorous questioning and practical engagement.

Our full range of courses combines structure and flexibility, allowing students to tailor their choice of courses to help explore, discover, and develop their interests.

This customization of your major can be done independently to suit your interests, or through the department “Tracks” in American politics, international relations, world politics, or political theory. These Tracks are designed to explore your passions within the field.

The Political Science major allows you to take classes in your interests AND outside of them. Even within the Tracks, the major allows you to have fully-realized, contextual applications of the field and creates a space to understand how the world works through specific criteria.

Through a comprehensive curriculum, novel research opportunities, and engaging experiential learning beyond the classroom, students develop the skills to become informed citizens and effective leaders.

What job can I get with a political science degree?

Our major prepares students for careers in government, military, law, international organizations, education, service programs, media, data analytics, and beyond.

Learn why 98% of recent Notre Dame Political Science majors found employment within six months of graduation.

Beyond the classroom

The Department offers opportunities beyond the classroom in undergraduate research, internships, clubs and organizations, senior thesis, and study abroad. These programs cultivate immersive experiences that deepen understanding of the field and foster real-world impact.

Saif Elmaleh

Class of 2026

The Political Science Program has allowed me to expand my critical thinking and analytical skills by studying major themes in Political Theory and Comparative Politics. The classes are designed to balance exploring the essential concepts with constructive engagement through discussions and papers. The program has equipped me with the tools to approach political issues with academic rigor and practical insight, preparing me as a prelaw student.

  • Saif Elmaleh

    Class of 2026

    The Political Science Program has allowed me to expand my critical thinking and analytical skills by studying major themes in Political Theory and Comparative Politics. The classes are designed to balance exploring the essential concepts with constructive engagement through discussions and papers. The program has equipped me with the tools to approach political issues with academic rigor and practical insight, preparing me as a prelaw student.

  • Ryan Downey

    Class of 2025

    The Political Science program is exactly the kind of well-rounded education that I sought from Notre Dame. There is a ton flexibility in the curriculum, and every professor that I've met has been incredibly helpful. Even in the largest intro classes, ND Political Science professors work to make a connection with every student.

  • Angela Moreno

    Class of 2027

    The Political Science Department at Notre Dame has been a transformative part of my college experience, offering an innovative curriculum that prepares students to engage with the complexities of the modern world. Through the department’s support, I secured a job connected to my minor in Constitutional Studies, which has been a defining opportunity this year. The department’s commitment to student growth is evident in its access to inspiring speakers and resources that empower students to pursue meaningful change. Notre Dame’s Political Science Department excels in shaping well-rounded, informed leaders ready to thrive in their careers and make a global impact, and I am so fortunate I get the opportunity to take part of it.

  • Andre Rainville

    Class of 2027

    My political science major at Notre Dame has introduced me to a wide range of topics I wasn't aware of before. My courses have exposed me the fascinating study of International Relations and have helped me better understand global politics, political theory, and public policy. This experience has shaped how I think about political issues today. I look forward to continuing my studies in the field and discover more.

  • Haley Garecht

    Class of 2026

    I love that the major has so much flexibility—I am able to pursue deeper research into topics that I care about, like constitutional law and political philosophy, while still enjoying a broad variety of coursework.

Questions about political science?

Please contact Susan Pratt Rosato (Susan.H.Pratt.15@nd.edu)
Director of Undergraduate Studies

Questions about internships or study abroad?

Please contact Steven Landis (slandis@nd.edu)
Assistant Teaching Professor