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Political Science Major

Are you interested in American politics, international affairs, domestic developments in other parts of the world and political theory? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on your interests? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you should consider the political science major at Grand View University.

The political science major provides the academic background to enter law school or will prepare you for a wide variety of professional positions.

Why Grand View?

  • You will take courses from a variety of subfields of political science that will give you an expansive and well-rounded base of legal knowledge.
  • We heavily focus on interdisciplinary thinking—our courses ask students to use what they have learned in their other social science, humanities, and natural science courses to address real-world policy problems.
  • Grand View's location in Des Moines gives you access to the State Capitol for internships, a front row seat to the Iowa Caucuses and the opportunity to work on Presidential campaigns.
  • Plus, many of our courses can be taken online during the academic year as well as in the summer, giving students more flexibility in class scheduling.
Career Options

Start work immediately after graduation or go on to advance your legal career...a bachelor's degree gives you a world of opportunities:

  • Law School
  • Policy Analysis
  • Political Advertising
  • Campaign Management
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Government Agency Work
  • Teaching (with a dual major in education)
  • Criminal Justice (with a dual major in criminal justice)
  • City Planning
  • Business
  • Lobbying
  • Legislative Staff

What Can I Do With This Major?

Course Requirements
Download Degree Checklist

Awards and Accomplishments

Faculty

Dr. Bryan McQuide • He is the winner of the Grand View 2017 Distinguished Faculty Service Award, has presented papers at several national and regional political science conferences, and has been interviewed by local and national media on political events and elections.

Alumni

  • One is a federal district judge in Iowa.
  • One is a U.S. district attorney.
  • A number now have successful legal careers.
  • Two recent graduates have won full scholarships to law school.
  • Graduates have gone on to law school at Drake, University of South Dakota, and University of Iowa.

Why Political Studies?

As a political studies major, you will hone the writing, communications, analytical and computer skills that are critical to a liberal arts education. The courses offered at Grand View will prepare you to think critically and independently, with tolerance for others and concern for current affairs.

Political studies training also provides valuable preparation for participating in community organizations, electoral politics, movements on behalf of specific policies, and for seeking elective or administrative positions in government. While many of these are voluntary activities, participation in them develops skills and creates opportunities for career success.

Get Involved on Campus 

Get involved and join the Political Science Club! It is a nonpartisan organization and promotes student awareness of and participation in politics and the political process through various student-sponsored activities.

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