Political Science
Explore the world of individual and group political behavior, governing institutions, and public policy with a political science degree.
Examine Politics with a Critical Lens
Throughout this rigorous program, you'll use a variety of methods to examine issues at the local, national and global levels, as well as learn how politics affect countless aspects of our lives.
While pursuing your degree at UW-Eau Claire, you’ll learn from expert professors about topics like justice, security, peace, minority rights and privacy. You'll also have access to a wide variety of statistical databases that allow you to analyze real data in classes centered around public opinion and voting. Class sizes are kept small so that every student can receive individual attention and participate in discussions that are vital to learning.
Political science examines various systems of government within and among nation-states and the principles on which they are based. Through unique projects and discussions, you’ll become familiar with political concepts and issues, their historical background and their relevance to the cultural systems in which they arise. Enhance this knowledge by joining one of our on-campus student organizations, such as the Pre-Law Club, Mock-Trial Team and Pi Sigma Alpha. Focusing on enriching and resume-building activities, these clubs directly connect you with students who are also interested in political science. They are also excellent ways to learn from guest speakers, participate in workshops and connect what you've learned in class.
Countless opportunities await you in the political science department: internships, research projects, study abroad experiences and so much more. Whether you’re interested in pursuing law school or graduate school, or entering the workforce right away, you’ll graduate well-prepared and ready to make an impact on the world of political science.
Program Details
An advanced internship program within the political science major offers opportunities for on-the-job experience in an executive or legislative office, a nongovernmental agency, an Eau Claire city or county office, a political campaign for president, Congress, city council or with interest groups. Not only do internships provide you with real-world learning and valuable connections — but you'll also earn up to six college credits.
UW-Eau Claire is home to three incredible resource centers — the Center for Global Politics, the Political Research Institute (PRI) and the Center for Constitutional Studies — each with the goal of supporting you as you work toward your degree. The Political Research Institute, for example, is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to connecting local governments, nonprofit organizations and other groups to experts in political science and law.
Limitless research opportunities await you at UW-Eau Claire. The Political Science and Criminal Justice Department's student-faculty research program has given students a chance to work on projects studying topics like cyberbullying, digital teen dating violence, and globalization and Islam. This strong education and valuable out-of-classroom experience has helped the department produce four Fulbright Award winners — and you could be next!
Annual on-campus Career Conferences and a Non-Profit and Government Career Fair bring potential employers right to you. These events are excellent opportunities to network and submit your resume for current and future job openings.
Blugold Stories
At UW-Eau Claire, I was surrounded by some of the brightest people I've ever met. The professors here come from diverse backgrounds and offer insight into real-world problems. From my classroom and real-world experiences, I have grown wiser than I could have ever imagined at UW-Eau Claire.
Public health enables me to learn about issues I am passionate about, and political science introduces me to the power of policy and politics in influencing health outcomes. Attending a liberal-arts-based school was great preparation for a career in public health and policy.
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Where can the political science program lead me after graduation?
Graduates of our political science degree have gone on to work for the U.S. government, public relations firms, law offices, and more. The rigorous major provides a strong foundation in government and civic engagement, making it a great option for those who wish to declare a pre-law path or pursue law school.
Example Careers
- Political lobbyist
- Legislative aid
- Public sector administrator
- Campaign manager
- Public relations specialist
Curriculum within the political science degree offers you the ability to choose courses from four main topics: American politics, international relations, comparative government and political theory. Coursework will explore global politics as well as public policy in the U.S. — and how politics influences aspects of our everyday lives, including film and media.
Students are strongly encouraged to develop a 15-credit topical theme as a part of their major course of study. You can create your own theme or choose from a recommended path such as constitutional studies, global human rights, electoral politics, global conflict resolution, and American political development.
Here are a few courses in Political Science at UW-Eau Claire.
POLS 110
American National Politics
Analysis of major components of American national politics. Includes examination of the individual's ability to affect politics, and the impact of politics on individual lives.
POLS 342
Public Opinion and Political Behavior
Development, nature and impact of political attitudes and opinions; white and minority opinion compared; political role of the mass media; personality and opinions; political participation; behavioral techniques of analysis; all in an American politics context.
POLS 344
Media and Politics
The course examines the symbiotic relationship between the media and political actors. The course will look at how the media influences the political agenda, how politicians manipulate the media, and the impact of political advertising.
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