Central's political science program lets you benefit from professors’ expertise in areas such as American and international politics. This major is excellent preparation for graduate and law school, as well as a wide variety of careers in government, politics, law, business, mass media and education, as well as effective participation in civic and community affairs.
You'll learn about government rules and institutions, and how individuals and groups interact at local, state, national and international levels through coursework and practical experience. Political science students learn to do original research and undertake civic engagement projects that allow them to connect with professionals and develop a resume of experience. Many students also take part in experiential and service-learning projects or career-focused internships in Washington, D.C., Des Moines or while studying abroad.
Political science students have always been among the highest participators in study abroad, gaining life-changing, career-shaping experiences through internships abroad to learn firsthand about foreign and international politics, particularly in the London Program’s Parliamentary Internships option. To learn about federal, state and local government in the U.S., internship programs are also available in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Des Moines. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Study abroad experience led Amy Coughenour ’87 to an international career as CEO of a high-tech nonprofit.
In fall 2009, the new 57,748-square-foot Roe Center opened to provide new classroom, office and instructional space for the political science, education, communication and psychology departments, along with Central’s nationally recognized community-based learning department.
Central College will host a discussion about the election results and moving forward from 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, featuring four professors and local political expert Bob Leonard.
We will work one-on-one with you to select and apply for an internship that will complement your courses and enhance your career prospects. Students are placed in governmental and non-governmental positions at local, state and national levels in the U.S., as well as in governmental and non-governmental positions at our study abroad sites, including at the British Parliament, United Nations and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
Recent internship examples include:
Political science courses prepare you for work in a variety of areas. Central offers courses in the major sub-fields of the discipline, including: American government and politics, public policy, international politics, comparative politics and research methods.
Central's expert faculty are leaders in their fields, conducting research and authoring papers and articles that expose students to the latest scholarship.
Learn more about Political Science in the course catalog.
Want to find out more about Political Science at Central? Contact us to learn more about this major and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
