Political Science

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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

95% employed or continuing education

42% employed after graduation

52% attending graduate school

1% volunteering

$49,836 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Alight Solutions (2), Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen (2), Illinois House of Representatives (2) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Northern Illinois University 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 Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

96% first-year retention rate

76% four-year graduation rate

81% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $38,576
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,656

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.