As a political science major, you'll study politics and public policy as an essential aspect of human affairs. Studying politics offers a way to understand and engage in some of the most critical issues of our times, such as addressing climate change, managing emerging security challenges and overcoming poverty around the world. We study the history and structure of governments, political parties, interest groups and social movements. Our students learn about what happens in politics and policy and how to think systematically about what would be just and fair.

Follow your interest.

Political science majors take courses that expand their overall knowledge of politics, policy and institutions while encouraging greater connections with specific areas of interest. Our students have a diverse range of interests, including global politics (international relations and domestic politics in countries around the planet); law and politics (ranging from the U.S. Constitution to international law); political economy and public policy (the relationship between business and politics); and American politics (policies, processes and institutions in the United States).

Study government where it happens.

Live, learn and work for a semester in the nation's capital at Marquette's Les Aspin Center for Government, located four blocks from the Capitol. Or learn about politics in Milwaukee by working in a representatives' local office, joining a campaign or working in the city or county government.

Learn from the best.

Marquette is a great place to be a political science major: Our faculty win teaching awards and are leading scholars in the field. You'll learn from experts in many fields, including Latin America, Russia, China, international security, international law and human rights, development, political economy, Constitutional law, political philosophy, Congress and the presidency, elections and public opinion, and urban politics. Marquette's Department of Political Science has been ranked in the top 30 in the country.

Great preparation for law school.

Armed with sharp analytical minds and solid understanding of the purpose of government and the law, nearly a third of Marquette's political science majors go on to law school. Another 10 percent pursue graduate studies in political science.

Some of the classes you'll take:

  • American Politics
  • Comparative Politics
  • International Politics
  • Justice and Power
  • Law and Politics Course
  • Global Politics Course
  • Political Economy and Public Policy Course

For a complete listing of required courses for the program in political science, please visit the Marquette University Online Bulletin at this link.