Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational courses in political theory and government with applied coursework in public policy and research methods. Core topics typically include American national and state government, comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, public administration, and empirical methods for political analysis.

Students normally take modules such as:

• Introduction to American Government — institutions, constitutionalism and federalism.
• Comparative Politics — systems of government, party systems and regime change across regions.
• International Relations — theoretical approaches, foreign policy and global governance.
• Political Theory — classical and contemporary perspectives on justice, rights and democracy.
• Research Methods and Statistics — quantitative and qualitative tools for political inquiry.
• Public Policy and Administration — policy formulation, implementation and evaluation.
• Electives and regional studies — courses on Latin American politics, European integration, migration, race and ethnicity, or urban governance.
• Capstone or senior seminar — a research project or integrative seminar that synthesises theory and empirical work.

Many students supplement coursework with internships in local government, NGOs or media, study abroad options, and research assistantships with faculty. The programme encourages methods training and offers pathways for a BA or BS depending on elective choices and quantitative emphasis.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution. Admissions typically assesses the academic record in a college-preparatory curriculum, including strong performance in humanities and social-science courses; preparation in writing, history and mathematics is also advantageous.

FIU considers standardised test scores where submitted and reviews applicants holistically, taking into account transcripts, extracurricular involvement, leadership, and personal statements. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional alternatives. Transfer applicants are evaluated on college-level coursework and credit-transfer policies.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers across public, private and third-sector organisations. Common pathways include:

• Public service and civil service positions at local, state and federal levels.
• Policy analysis and research roles in think tanks, advocacy organisations and government agencies.
• Legal careers (many graduates move on to law school).
• International organisations, diplomacy and NGOs, especially with a regional focus on the Americas.
• Political campaigning, legislative staff, constituent services and public affairs.
• Media, journalism and communications roles that require strong analytical and writing skills.
• Further graduate study in political science, public policy, international relations or related fields.

The programme’s emphasis on empirical methods, writing and internships helps graduates enter analytical and management roles or continue to professional schools.

Why study at Florida International University

FIU’s location in Miami provides strategic advantages for political science students, including proximity to diverse communities, government agencies and consular and international organisations focused on the Americas. The university offers broad extracurricular and experiential-learning opportunities—internships with local and regional government, study-abroad programmes, and research collaborations with faculty.

Students benefit from a large, research-active campus with interdisciplinary links across international affairs, public policy and urban studies, including faculty expertise in comparative politics, migration, Latin American politics and public administration. FIU’s student organisations, civic-engagement initiatives and career services help connect classroom learning to practical experience and employer networks.