Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The programme combines core training in political science with elective depth across subfields. You will cover foundational areas such as American government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public law, and public policy.

• Core courses: introduction to political science, research methods, and political theory that develop familiarity with normative and empirical approaches.
• American politics: courses on Congress, the presidency, federalism, political behaviour, public opinion and elections.
• Comparative politics & international relations: studies of political systems, democratisation, authoritarianism, global governance, and foreign policy analysis.
• Quantitative and qualitative methods: statistics for social science, data analysis, survey research, and case-study methods to prepare you for empirical work.
• Public policy and administration: policy process, program evaluation, and courses that bridge politics with economics and public management.
• Capstone and advanced seminars: seminar courses, honours or independent research projects, and opportunities for a senior thesis or practicum depending on pathway.
• Electives and experiential learning: regional or thematic electives, study abroad options, internships with governmental and non-governmental organisations, and participation in research with faculty.

Entry requirements

Admission to Indiana University Bloomington at undergraduate level is based on a holistic review of secondary-school achievement and supporting documents. Specific entry criteria vary with your applicant category (domestic, international, transfer).

• Academic background: completion of a recognised secondary-school diploma with strong performance in social studies and humanities; quantitative preparation is recommended for students intending to take method or statistics courses.
• Supporting materials: personal statement or essays, high-school transcript, and any required school reports. Transfer applicants should supply college transcripts and a record of relevant coursework.
• English language: for applicants whose first language is not English, acceptable evidence of English proficiency is required (e.g. recognised tests or institutional waivers where applicable).
• Other considerations: letters of recommendation and examples of extracurricular engagement (model UN, debate, student government, community service, internships) can strengthen an application; admission to the political science major may be subject to departmental procedures after matriculation.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Political Science degree have a wide range of career options that value analytical thinking, research skills and clear communication.

• Public sector and government: roles in local, state and national government, policy analysis, legislative assistantships and public administration.
• Law and legal services: many graduates go on to law school or work in paralegal, compliance, and advocacy roles.
• International organisations and NGOs: positions in diplomacy, development agencies, human rights groups and international NGOs.
• Media and communications: journalism, political reporting, public relations and campaign communications.
• Research and consulting: policy research, polling and survey research, political risk analysis and management consulting.
• Further study: progression to graduate degrees in political science, public policy, international relations, public administration or related fields.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington is known for a strong liberal-arts campus with a dedicated political science department that offers a broad curriculum and opportunities for faculty-supervised research. The campus provides access to extensive library collections, research centres and a variety of student organisations that foster debate, civic engagement and leadership development.

• Faculty and research: study with faculty who specialise across the major subfields of political science and who regularly publish research and engage in public affairs.
• Experiential learning: internship programmes, practicum courses and study-abroad options that help translate classroom learning into workplace experience.
• Student life and support: active student societies, career services focused on political careers and graduate-study advising to help plan pathways after graduation.