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 neighbors. 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.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

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, and nonprofit management.

CONTACT

Dr. Dan YoungDepartment Chair

TOP 25 GRADUATES Our political science grads attend top-25 law schools, such as Iowa and George Washington.

CAPITAL EXPERIENCE Intern in area offices for local, state or federal officials or for national organizations with offices in the upper Midwest.

LAW DEGREE IN 6 YEARS NWC has partnered with Drake University’s law program to help you earn a B.A. and J.D. degree in 6 years instead of 7.

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:

U.S. Senate political campaign

Sioux City, IA

First Dakota Tile

Sioux Falls, SD

Iowa Department of Corrections

Des Moines, IA

Klett USA

Chicago, IL

Nebraska Inspector General’s Office

Lincoln, NE

Senator Chuck Grassley’s office

Washington, D.C.

#RaidersStandOut

STUDENTS

**Luke** As a political science major at Northwestern, Luke is learning to think critically and apply God’s Word to complex issues. Once he graduates from NWC, he plans to attend law school in his home state of Nebraska.

ALUMNI

**Maya** Her political science studies at Northwestern prepared Maya to serve in the highest offices of national government.

ALUMNI

**Noah** Noah is channeling his zeal for making a difference as an assistant in Nebraska’s Office of Inspector General.

ALUMNI

**Connor** Connor’s Northwestern education led to a verdict of “accepted” at six law schools.

FACULTY

**Jeff** Dr. VanDerWerff’s extensive research and experience running for public office guide his efforts to teach students about virtuous citizenship as followers of Christ.

Experience

To Capitol Hill and beyond

Study abroad

Politics on campus

Interested in law?

Nonprofit management

Passing the torch

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.