Political Science Major
Analyze. Interpret. Engage. Change.
Political science teaches students how to take on and talk about important and complex issues related to government, power and change. Students will develop the tools to be responsible citizens, successful professionals and leaders in their communities.
Nationally recognized
UNI is regularly top in the country for student voter engagement thanks to PanthersVote, a unified, nonpartisan campaign led by Political Science.
Extremely flexible
Major easily allows for complimentary double majors, minors and certificates.
Renowned Faculty
Profs are frequently called upon by local and national media for their expertise in public affairs.
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Political Science
335 Sabin Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0404
319-273-2039
Email: scott.peters@uni.edu
Why Political Science?
Students take a wide array of courses in four areas: American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory. Examples include:
- International Security
- Race & Public Policy
- Law, Politics & Society
- The Politics of International Development
- Leadership & Management in Public Service
- Political Psychology
- State Politics
- Human Rights
- Freedom, Justice & Power
Grow your future.
UNI’s political science majors are prepared for nearly any workplace, including private industry, the nonprofit sector and local, state and national government.
Recent graduates have gone on to work for nonprofit organizations focused on immigrant and refugee populations; state and local government; and as analysts for federal law-enforcement and intelligence agencies.
They have also found private industry jobs in areas such as lobbying and government relations, as well as data analysis and marketing. Graduates also frequently go on to law school or graduate programs that focus on international diplomacy, political science, public administration and public policy.
Go beyond.
Students have the opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice via service-learning and internships with national, state and local government agencies and nonprofits.
The major offers many civic engagement and leadership opportunities outside the classroom, including a competitive Model United Nations team, an academic partnership with U.S. Strategic Command and our PanthersVote voter engagement efforts.
Students can also participate in organizations like Pre-law Club, Political Science Society and Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society.
Students take a wide array of courses in four areas: American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory. Examples include:
- International Security
- Race & Public Policy
- Law, Politics & Society
- The Politics of International Development
- Leadership & Management in Public Service
- Political Psychology
- State Politics
- Human Rights
- Freedom, Justice & Power
Grow your future.
UNI’s political science majors are prepared for nearly any workplace, including private industry, the nonprofit sector and local, state and national government.
Recent graduates have gone on to work for nonprofit organizations focused on immigrant and refugee populations; state and local government; and as analysts for federal law-enforcement and intelligence agencies.
They have also found private industry jobs in areas such as lobbying and government relations, as well as data analysis and marketing. Graduates also frequently go on to law school or graduate programs that focus on international diplomacy, political science, public administration and public policy.
Go beyond.
Students have the opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice via service-learning and internships with national, state and local government agencies and nonprofits.
The major offers many civic engagement and leadership opportunities outside the classroom, including a competitive Model United Nations team, an academic partnership with U.S. Strategic Command and our PanthersVote voter engagement efforts.
Students can also participate in organizations like Pre-law Club, Political Science Society and Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society.
Not your average professor
"Probably the most satisfying compliment I ever got was from an elementary education student who came back from Thanksgiving break and said 'For the first time, I understood what everybody was talking about at dinner.' It may sound like a small thing, but it’s important for people to understand what’s going on and be interested and engaged.”
-- Justin Holmes, associate professor of political science
Panther POV
“Talk to your professors, they are extremely helpful! I consider many to be friends and close advisors.”
--Brady Fisher, Senior
Panther POV
“Prepare to enter your major with curiosity and a willingness to challenge your assertions. Foster conversations with your professors and classmates and seek out different viewpoints. Embrace learning in an environment that allows for dialogue and conversation. These skills will also help you navigate challenges and opportunities in your career.”
--Sarah Benzing, '00, Chief of Staff to US Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio