Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Department of Political Science offers a major, which requires twelve courses, and a minor, which requires six. The sections below provide more information on the requirements for the major and minor. Political science is the study of politics and power from domestic, international, and comparative perspectives. It entails understanding political ideas, ideologies, institutions, policies, processes, and behavior, as well as groups, classes, government, diplomacy, law, strategy, and war. A background in political science is valuable for citizenship and political action, as well as for future careers in government, law, business, media, or public service.

HOW DOES POLITICAL SCIENCE PREPARE ME FOR THE FUTURE -
Our curriculum focuses on critical thinking, data analysis, and ethical reasoning and provides you with knowledge about current and past political events across the world. Our alumni pursue a number of different careers. These include government service (at federal, state, and local levels) nonprofits, law, campaigns and polling, journalism, consulting, and business.

Rigor and flexibility - You can become an expert in a specific area of study and choose from a wide range of electives within the major.
Diverse career paths (e.g., law, government service, business, policy analysis, teaching, consulting)
Strong analytical skills - Learn to critically evaluate problems and solutions, develop skills in research, writing, and argumentation, acquire quantitative skills and become familiar with multiple methodologies, earn skill-based certificates of achievement in foreign language and/or quantitative skills.

Secondary school record

Northwestern accepts results from both the TOEFL and the IELTS.

There is no minimum score required by Northwestern. Competitive applicants demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and often score in the high range on all four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) of the TOEFL iBT, or receive IELTS band scores in highest three bands on the overall and individual scores (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).