Political Science
Political Science
You recognize that human beings aren’t merely citizens of the world—they’re citizens of God’s kingdom—and as Christians, we’re called to love our fellow neighbor. Northwestern’s political science program will help you consider issues of global importance and challenge you to think critically about why you believe what you do.
Why NWC?
Whether you run for public office, practice law or launch a start-up company, Northwestern's political science program will strengthen your critical thinking skills, helping you adapt to a rapidly changing world. And if you want to teach, Northwestern offers both a social studies teaching major and a secondary teaching endorsement in American government.
Your courses for a political science major will include Christians and the political order, history of political thought, and American government. Social studies teaching majors take courses in American history, world history, and American government, as well as education methods courses.
Related minors include political science, mission and justice, Middle East studies, and nonprofit management.
Department Chair
Outcomes
Northwestern’s political science major is a great option for graduates who want to work in business, law, social work, education—and, yes, even government or party politics. Equipped with critical thinking and public speaking skills, our students say Northwestern prepares them for lives as theologically informed citizens of the world.
Join our standout alumni at:
#RaidersStandOut
Experience
Participate in the American Studies Program in Washington, D.C., and intern with political leaders and nonprofit organizations like Amnesty International and the National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children. Students can also intern in area offices for local, state or federal officials—or for national organizations with offices in the upper Midwest.
As you learn about other countries and their political systems, consider spending a semester or summer studying abroad. Northwestern’s Oman Semester will enhance your understanding of Middle East relations and Islam’s historical and political significance. Or explore the beauty of Europe with our Romania Semester, an opportunity to study sustainable community development and partner with an adventure education program for Romanian youth.
Run for Northwestern’s Student Government Association and serve as a liaison between students and administrators. You can also join campus political clubs that educate students about policy issues and promote political involvement among their peers. The Justice & Service Team and Creation Care Club also engage relevant issues such as human trafficking, climate change and criminal injustice.
Northwestern graduates who attend law school major in a wide variety of disciplines—everything from political science and criminal justice to mathematics and business. Introduce yourself to various areas of law by taking our recommended pre-law courses or begin the process of earning your J.D. through a partnership with Drake University. Either way, Northwestern will prepare you for the academic rigor of law school while broadening your perspectives on the world and the pursuit of justice.
Northwestern students are passionate about creating change on campus, in their communities and in the greater world. That’s why we offer a nonprofit management minor to equip students with the necessary tools to operate nonprofit and for-profit organizations that make a difference. You already have your reason why. Learn from our experienced professors to understand how you can make your vision a reality.
In addition to completing the social studies teaching major, you’ll receive additional training as a secondary education major. The two majors combine courses in teaching methods with courses in history, political science, psychology and more.
Participate in the American Studies Program in Washington, D.C., and intern with political leaders and nonprofit organizations like Amnesty International and the National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children. Students can also intern in area offices for local, state or federal officials—or for national organizations with offices in the upper Midwest.
As you learn about other countries and their political systems, consider spending a semester or summer studying abroad. Northwestern’s Oman Semester will enhance your understanding of Middle East relations and Islam’s historical and political significance. Or explore the beauty of Europe with our Romania Semester, an opportunity to study sustainable community development and partner with an adventure education program for Romanian youth.
Run for Northwestern’s Student Government Association and serve as a liaison between students and administrators. You can also join campus political clubs that educate students about policy issues and promote political involvement among their peers. The Justice & Service Team and Creation Care Club also engage relevant issues such as human trafficking, climate change and criminal injustice.
Northwestern graduates who attend law school major in a wide variety of disciplines—everything from political science and criminal justice to mathematics and business. Introduce yourself to various areas of law by taking our recommended pre-law courses or begin the process of earning your J.D. through a partnership with Drake University. Either way, Northwestern will prepare you for the academic rigor of law school while broadening your perspectives on the world and the pursuit of justice.
Northwestern students are passionate about creating change on campus, in their communities and in the greater world. That’s why we offer a nonprofit management minor to equip students with the necessary tools to operate nonprofit and for-profit organizations that make a difference. You already have your reason why. Learn from our experienced professors to understand how you can make your vision a reality.
In addition to completing the social studies teaching major, you’ll receive additional training as a secondary education major. The two majors combine courses in teaching methods with courses in history, political science, psychology and more.
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Faculty
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That’s Northwestern’s faculty.
Dr. Jeff VanDerWerff ’83
Professor of U.S. Government & Public Life; Dean of the Social Sciences
Dr. Daniel Edward Young
Professor of Political Science; Department Chair
