University of Iowa

What you'll study

The Political Science and Government bachelor programme covers core subfields of political science including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy. Students take research methods and quantitative courses that teach data analysis, statistics for social science and empirical research design, along with coursework that emphasises critical reading and persuasive writing.

Typical course topics and modules you can expect include:

• Foundations of American Government and Politics (institutions, federalism, elections)
• Comparative Politics (political systems, regime types, development)
• International Relations (foreign policy, security, international organisations)
• Political Theory (classical and contemporary normative theory)
• Public Policy and Administration (policy design, implementation, evaluation)
• Research Methods and Statistics for Political Science
• Electives in specialised areas such as public law, gender and politics, environmental politics, political psychology, and campaign politics
• Capstone or senior seminar projects that emphasise applied research, policy briefs or honours thesis work
• Opportunities for internships, community-engaged learning and undergraduate research with faculty

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Iowa is based on secondary school achievement and rigour of preparation. For the Political Science major, typical expectations include a strong high-school academic record with coursework in social studies, history and English; solid writing skills are essential. Applicants should demonstrate intellectual curiosity through classwork, extracurricular activities or relevant experience.

The university considers the full application package, which may include high-school transcripts, a personal statement, and optional standardised test scores where applicable. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Prospective students with questions about preparation for the major can consult departmental advisors.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Political Science degree from the University of Iowa pursue a wide range of careers. Common paths include:

• Public service and government work at local, state and federal levels
• Policy analysis, legislative assistance and public administration
• Law school and legal careers (many graduates use the degree as preparation for law study)
• Political campaigns, advocacy organisations and non-profit leadership
• Journalism, communications and public relations
• International organisations, diplomacy and NGOs
• Business roles requiring analytical, research and writing skills, including consulting and management

The programme’s emphasis on research methods, internships and writing prepares students for both entry-level professional roles and further graduate study in political science, public policy, international studies or related fields.

Why study at University of Iowa

The University of Iowa offers a research-active Political Science department with faculty expertise across American politics, comparative politics, political theory and public law. Students benefit from small-group seminars, opportunities to work directly with faculty on research projects, and a curriculum that balances theory and applied skills.

The university’s location and connections afford practical experiences — internships with state and local government, placements with advocacy organisations, and opportunities to engage in civic life. Support services for undergraduates include academic advising, career services, and resources for study abroad and experiential learning, helping students tailor their degree to career goals or postgraduate study.