- Accounting
- Anthropology
- Art
- Art Education
- Atmospheric Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biopsychology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Classical Languages
- Classics
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Economics
- Educational Studies
- Elementary Education Teacher Licensure 1-6
- Engineering
- English
- English Education
- Environmental Studies and Sustainability
- Exercise Science
- Global Food Security
- Global Public Health
- Greek
- Health Science & Human Movement
- Healthcare Pathways
- History
- International Studies
- Investigative Forensics
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
- Mathematics
- Media
- Music
- Music Education
- Neuroscience
- Peace Corps Prep
- Peace, Ethics, and Social Justice
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Science
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Law
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Nursing
- Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Pre-Seminary
- Pre-Veterinary Studies
- Psychology
- Public Relations
- Religious Studies
- Social Science Education
- Sociology
- Sociology and Anthropology with Human Services
- Spanish
- Sports Information & Media
- Theatre
- Theatre Education
- Undecided
- Women’s Studies
Requirements
Requirements for the Political Science major encourage the study of all four major areas – American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political philosophy.
Political Science learning objectives
The department is structured to entice students to take electives that fit their passions; and to culminate their experience with an in-depth research project of their own choosing. The members of the Political Science Department see political science as encompassing a wide range of academic and practical skills. Graduates of the political science department will leave with:
- Both broad and specialized content knowledge in Political Science;
- Skills in critical thinking, including empirical and normative analysis;
- Communication skills, both orally and in writing;
- The ability to apply what they learn to real-world problems and issues outside of the classroom; and
- Preparation appropriate for a range of opportunities for higher education, careers, service, and a rewarding intellectual life.
Political Science major requirements (10 credits)
This update applies beginning Fall of 2022. Students graduating in Spring of 2022 or earlier must complete POLS 415 as one of their 10 credits.
Required courses
- POLS 103 American Politics
- POLS 200 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLS 230 Political Philosophy
- POLS 270 Introduction to International Relations
One of the following quantitative reasoning in practice (QRP) courses
- POLS 208 Understanding Capitalism
- POLS 210 Public Opinion
- POLS 287 Political Psychology
- POLS 375 Environmental Politics
Five other Political Science courses, at least two of which are 300 level or above
Political Science minor requirements (5 credits)
Two courses must be taken out of the following four fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. At least 4 of the 5 courses must be taken at Monmouth College campuses and two of these courses must be at or above 300 level.
Transfer Credits
The department will accept most transfer credits as applicable towards the major. Decisions are typically made on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Department Chair for more information. More information for transfer students is available on our Admission Transfer Credits page.
Study Abroad Credits
All Political Science students are encouraged to consider a study abroad program or our Semester in Washington, DC program. The department will work with interested students to make sure that they can complete their major while participating in those programs.
Teacher Licensure
Students wishing to become high school political science teachers can major in Social Science Education with a concentration in Political Science.
- Beatrix Thornton '19 presents her research at Scholars Day.
- Jessica Acosta '19 discusses her research with professor Andre Audette during Scholars Day.
- Mackenzie Lafferty '19 presents her research during Scholars Day.
- Mietek Boduszynski, a former U.S. diplomat, participates in a foreign policy discussion with professor Farhat Haq's class.
- Professor Andre Audette chats with Elizabeth Morales '22.