The department’s curriculum, which spans the subfields of American politics, international politics, political philosophy, and comparative politics, provides students the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate the political world, so they might shape it in positive ways.

Programs of Study

Major or Minor in Political Science

Politics is the means by which citizens seek to control power and resources for the purpose of governing a community.  At its best, politics is pursued to define and address common problems and challenges.

Political science, then, is the study of the theory and practice of politics at the local, state, national, and international levels. The discipline concerns itself with the analysis of political activity and behavior, with a focus on relationships among individuals, institutions of government, and nongovernmental entities. Political science is composed of four main subfields (political philosophy, American politics, comparative politics, international relations).

Newsletters

Keep up to date with the political science department at Concordia.

Special Opportunities at Concordia

The department invites students to participate in a variety of pre-law activities, including a pre-law student organization, intramural mock trial experience, and a pre-law speakers series. Students can also earn departmental honors by applying to the Political Science Honors Program or join Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.

Conferences

Attend an annual international affairs conference for undergraduate students at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (The political science department sponsors at least one student each year through a competitive process.)

Internship Opportunities

Internships are structured, educational off-campus experiences that offer students a hands-on opportunity to work in their desired careers.

Through internships, students learn how their academic program of study applies to the real world and build a valuable experience that makes them stronger candidates for jobs after graduation. Internships offer a variety of benefits to undergraduate students. They generally look good on a resume; they allow you to get a foot in the door with a potential employer; they provide an opportunity to network, possibly “try out” a specific career, establish relationships with mentors, develop new skills, gain “a real-world” experience, and earn college credits.

Political science students interested in internships should contact Concordia’s Career Center, which maintains a specialized list of internship opportunities in political science.

Pre-Law

Concordia graduates are well-prepared for the study of law. Over the past five years, 94% of graduating seniors who applied to law school have gained admission to at least one program.

Politics Café

Frequently held over a light meal or snacks, Politics Café events offer students and political science faculty members an opportunity to engage in informal discussion of important and timely issues in American and global politics. Discussions are moderated by both faculty and students and may include special guests. Whatever the topic, these events allow students the chance to apply classroom learning to contemporary political issues in a relaxed atmosphere.

Emma Connell '14, Research Assistant at Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

During college, I interned at Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s Minneapolis office and in the Joint Economic Committee in Washington, D.C. I also had the opportunity to represent Concordia at the Air Force Academy's Academy Assembly on U.S.-India relations. I’ve learned to seize opportunities as they come and be grateful to have the dedicated time for learning and acquiring new skills.

Prestigious Fellowship

Matthew Lillehaugen ’17 had the chance to influence policy makers through a James C. Gaither research fellowship, normally reserved for students from Ivy League schools.

Contact

Dr. Leila Zakhirova

Chair/Associate Professor, Political Science; Program Co-Director, Environmental and Sustainability Studies Political Science, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Global Studies