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Political Science

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is Political Science?

In this major, you’ll study policy in nations, between nations, and in non-governmental settings. Students delve into questions of power, conflict, cooperation, and diversity in the U.S. and across the world. With these questions, you'll learn about decision-making and disagreement management. Instruction is divided into five areas: American politics, comparative politics, public policy, political theory, and international relations. Your coursework will teach you how to gather, analyze, and interpret data and evidence. You will also learn how to write and communicate with confidence. In your classes, you'll learn how to collaborate on projects. You can choose from seven concentrations:

  • General Political Science
  • Citizen Politics
  • Civic Leadership
  • International Relations
  • Law and Power
  • Public Policy and Democratic Institutions
  • World Politics

Career Options

  • City management
  • Congressional staffing
  • Data analysis
  • Diplomacy
  • Education
  • Elected positions
  • Human resources
  • Industrial relations
  • Journalism
  • National security analysis
  • Urban or logistical planning

Post-Graduation Success1

86% employed or continuing education

57% employed after graduation

29% attending graduate school

$45,463 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Epic Systems, Teach for America, U.S. Senate View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, Chicago-Kent College of Law View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

4.0 years to degree

93% first-year retention rate

69% four-year graduation rate

81% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,712
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $35,862

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $31,832
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $55,322

International

  • Tuition: $34,280
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $57,770

Related Majors

None

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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