Political Science Major

About our program

Start actively engaging with today's most critical issues from your first week of classes. Think hyper-partisanship, economic struggles and global threats — it's all on the table here. You'll dive deep into American politics, international relations, political philosophy and more with world-renowned teacher-scholars.

You’ll understand what happens in politics, but more importantly, you’ll be challenged to evaluate it in a way that’s logical and rational — and lead discussions that result in mutual acknowledgment, respect and understanding.

Plus, there's no shortage of real-world experience with local internships and a semester in Washington, D.C., waiting for you through The Les Aspin Center. With all the chances you’ll have here to meet peers and professionals, you’ll launch your career with connections from an extensive alumni network in law, government, business and community service.

Marquette Hall, view from Wisconsin Avenue.

Marquette Hall, College of Arts and Sciences

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette’s College of Arts and Sciences

The ability to make significant positive change in the world requires knowing more than one area well. And since our College of Arts and Sciences is the most academically diverse college on campus, we're the perfect place to prepare for your role as a changemaker. So broaden your expertise by adding at least one additional major or minor to your degree — 73% of our students do. 

What can you do with a major in political science from Marquette?

About half of our graduates go on to graduate and professional schools, while the rest enter the workforce directly after graduation. Here’s where some of our recent graduates landed.

  • Anderegg & Associates 
  • Arab and Muslim Women’s Research and Resource Institute 
  • Baird 
  • British Airways  
  • City of Chicago 
  • City of Milwaukee 
  • Cornerstone Government Affairs 
  • Deloitte 
  • Democratic Party of Wisconsin 
  • Epic 
  • Falk Legal Group 
  • Milwaukee Board of Supervisors 
  • Office of the Mayor of Milwaukee 
  • Political Solutions 
  • Republican National Committee 
  • U.S. House of Representatives 
  • U.S. Department of Justice 
  • Voces de la Frontera 
  • Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty

collage of a building and faculty member talking to students

Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference.

 

Internships

Spend a summer or semester taking Marquette courses (including nine credits that count toward your political science major) and interning at a Washington, D.C., setting such as a congressional office, the State Department, the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Secret Service, the White House or the Department of Defense. You’ll also have plenty of chances to intern in the Milwaukee area, complemented by our on-campus internship course. 

Explore internships through our Les Aspin Center program.

Undergraduate research

Conduct research alongside our expert faculty. You can assist with their research or conduct your own independent research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. It's great preparation for a career in law, business, teaching, journalism, government or political activism. 

Here are some of the areas Marquette faculty and students are researching: 

  • Race and the American presidency 
  • Prevention of and accountability for torture 
  • Patterns of leadership succession in drug trafficking organizations 
  • New form of political mobilization in Latin America  

Learn more about political science research at Marquette.

Leadership learning

Become a people-centered leader guided by our Jesuit tradition. Join our E-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership courses and experiences that prepare you to be the driver of innovation for the common good. You’ll develop the skill set to generate innovative solutions and the mindset to reflect on the impact your work has on the world. Bonus: You’ll graduate with a concentration in leadership, too. 

Explore our E-Lead program. 

Study abroad

Expand your political science education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for you through core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research. 

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.