Augustana University

What you'll study

The Political Science and Government major at Augustana provides a broad grounding in political theory, comparative and international politics, American government and public policy, alongside quantitative and qualitative research methods. The programme emphasises critical thinking, writing and experiential learning through internships and senior-level projects.

Core topics and typical modules

• Introduction to American Government: structure and function of federal, state and local institutions.
• Comparative Politics: analysis of political systems, parties and state-society relations across countries.
• International Relations: theories of international politics, foreign policy, and global governance.
• Political Theory: major ideas and thinkers that have shaped political thought.
• Public Policy and Administration: policy processes, implementation and evaluation.
• Research Methods and Statistics for Social Sciences: research design, data collection and basic statistical analysis.
• Constitutional Law and Civil Liberties: key legal principles and their political implications.
• Campaigns, Elections and Political Behaviour: electoral systems, voting behaviour and political communication.
• Capstone/Senior Seminar or Thesis: an independent research project synthesising coursework and original research.

Students typically combine major requirements with liberal arts electives, optional minors (for example in economics, history or global studies), and experiential components such as internships, service learning or study abroad. Small class sizes allow opportunities for close faculty mentorship and collaborative research.

Entry requirements

Admission to Augustana University requires a completed secondary school certificate or equivalent. Applicants should demonstrate academic preparation and readiness for collegiate work, with particular strength in social studies and written communication. Typical application materials include transcripts, a personal statement or essay, and at least one letter of recommendation.

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record.
• Recommended preparatory courses: history, government/civics, English and mathematics.
• Personal statement describing academic interests and reasons for studying political science.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or counsellors are valued.
• Standardised test scores (ACT/SAT) may be submitted where required or useful; check the university’s current testing policy.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and descriptions of completed coursework for evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Government develop skills in analysis, communication and research that are applicable across many sectors. Career paths include:

• Public sector roles at local, state or national government agencies and legislative offices.
• Public policy analysis and advocacy for think tanks, non-profit organisations and interest groups.
• Law school or legal careers, supported by the programme’s emphasis on writing and critical reasoning.
• Political campaigns, party organisations and political consultancy.
• Journalism, communications, and media roles focused on public affairs.
• International organisations, diplomacy and NGOs working on development, human rights or global governance.
• Private sector careers in public affairs, corporate social responsibility, and research departments.

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in law, public policy, international relations or related social sciences. Internship experience and faculty-led research often help students build professional networks and secure entry-level positions.

Why study at Augustana University

Augustana University is a liberal arts institution that emphasises close faculty-student interaction, small class sizes and experiential learning. Political science students benefit from personalised mentorship, opportunities to engage in faculty-supervised research, and community-based internships that connect classroom learning to public life.

The university’s setting provides access to regional government offices, non-profit organisations and civic institutions for internship and practicum placements. A liberal arts curriculum encourages interdisciplinary perspectives—helpful for analysing complex policy problems—while career and internship services support students in transitioning from study to professional roles or graduate school.

Overall, Augustana’s combination of rigorous coursework, applied learning opportunities and a collaborative campus environment makes it a strong choice for students who want both a theoretical foundation and practical experience in political science and government.