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Political Science

Political science majors are some of the most articulate and dynamic students at USI. They acquire experience in campaign, legislative and nonprofit internships. Our graduates have taken jobs at all levels of government and in politics, law, business, nonprofit sector, education, and media. The skills acquired during the program will prepare you to be a positive force for change in our society no matter your chosen career path.

The political science major offers two concentrations of study: Government, Law and Diplomacy (GLAD) and Public and Nonprofit Administration (PNPA). Each student will select a concentration. A student may earn a second concentration by adding a minimum of 12 unique hours not previously applied to the major/concentration. The program offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree options.

Choose a major concentration:

Government, Law and Diplomacy   Public and Nonprofit Administration  


Philosophy

Philosophy majors are some of the best regarding analytical, critical thinking, verbal, and quantitative reasoning skills. The courses in the philosophy major teach students to think logically, critically, and ethically. Philosophy majors are appreciated on the job market for their portable skills and occupy top positions in business and government. Their higher than average scores on standardized tests like LSAT, GMAT and GRE facilitates excellent admission to law school and graduate schools. Philosophy majors pursue a variety of careers, such as law, health professions, local, state, and federal government, business, and science.

Students pursue a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. The latter, requiring 12 hours of a non-English modern or classical language, is preferable for those interested in more advanced degrees.

Philosophy Major


Master of Public Administration

For those wishing to pursue graduate-level education, the department also offers a 100% online Master of Public Administration, which you can complete in 2 years.

Master of Public Administration

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Spotlight

Ryan VanBuskirk '24

Ryan will attend IU Indianapolis' transition to teaching program to become a licensed German teacher. He graduated with Political Science and German Studies majors. In 2023, he studied at the German University of Philipps-Marburg. Ryan was an Associate Justice in the Student Government Association, a Treasurer for the German Club, and a member in the Political Science and German Honors Societies.

Cameron Davidson '21

Cameron will join the Office of U.S. Congressman Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky as a Congressional Aid for Immigration. Cameron has worked at the Catholic Charities of Louisville, KY as a Migrant Youth & Family Caseworker, after completing an MA in Nationalism & Conflict Management at the University of Salamanca, Spain. His studies in Spain were supported by a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship.

Tommy Kautzman '24 with Congressman Mast

Tommy will join the Office of U.S. Congressman Ben Cline of Virginia as a Press Assistant. He is a political science major and public relations minor. Tommy completed a Digital Communications Summer Internship for the Office of Congressman Brian Mast in Washington, DC in 2022. He had a previous internship in Washington, DC working for the Office of Indiana State Senator Mike Braun.

George (Robbie) Belt '24

Robbie will attend the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He graduated with a Philosophy major and minors in pre-law & psychology. Robbie was the president of the Philosophy and Vegetarian Clubs at USI, and a member of the Pre-Law club and the Mock Trial Team. He was selected Philosophy Student of the Year for 2023 and 2024, and was on the Dean’s list since the Fall of 2022.

Midori Matsuura '24

Midori graduated with a Political Science major and will attend the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. She is an international student from Japan, where she graduated from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in 2021. At USI, Midori established the Asian Student Union, for which she served as co-president. She received the USI Trustees Distinguished Merit Award in 2023.

Evie Duncan '24

Evie will attend Southern Illinois School of Law on a partial academic scholarship. She graduated with majors in Political Science & Philosophy and a pre-law minor. "I enjoyed my time at USI as a student and a volleyball athlete. Each professor I encountered impacted my education, and they all encouraged me to further my academic career. I am incredibly grateful for USI and its faculty."

Samantha Bradley '24

After graduation, Sam will start working full time at the Tominack Law Office, PC in Evansville, IN, where she currently has an internship. Sam will graduate with a Political Science degree and two minors, German and Business Administration.

Caitlin Daymon '23

Caitlin is a Peace Corps volunteer, and her long-term goal is becoming a foreign service officer with the Department of State. She graduated with majors in Political Science, Global Studies, and French. She was part of the French Club, Student Government Association, and Global Awareness Project. Her strategy is "Focus on your passion, and not something you think other people will approve of."

Rebekah Hamilton '24

Rebekah (Political Science major and pre-law minor) will attend IU McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis on a full-tuition scholarship. She was an Associate Justice in the Student Government Association, a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, and interned for the USI IT Department. She was the recipient of Brooks Inns of Court Pre-Law Scholarship and David L. Rice Merit Scholarship.

Shane Dearing '07

Shane Dearing, a 2007 USI graduate with a major in Political Science, was the speaker for the College of Liberal Arts Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of SAIVA AI based in Palo Alto, California, where he occupies a pivotal role in propelling the company toward unprecedented growth and financial success.