Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The programme provides a broad grounding in political science theory and methods, combined with options to specialise. Core areas typically include American government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy and research methods. You'll study how institutions work, how public decisions are made, and how political ideas shape laws and societies.

• Foundations: introductory courses in American government, comparative politics and international relations that establish key concepts and historical context.
• Theory and thought: political thought and contemporary political theory covering major thinkers and normative debates.
• Methods and analysis: courses in research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, and statistics for social science to prepare you to collect and interpret political data.
• Policy and institutions: public policy analysis, state and local government, constitutional law, and administrative politics focused on the processes of governance.
• Electives and concentrations: options commonly include international security, political behaviour, public administration, race and politics, and comparative public policy.
• Capstone experience: a senior seminar, practicum or research project that integrates coursework and often involves original research, policy briefs or community-based work.
• Experiential learning: internship placements, practicum courses, student organisations such as Model UN or student government, and opportunities for faculty-mentored research and study abroad.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor’s degree is through Eastern Michigan University’s undergraduate admissions process. Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent and meet the university’s general entry standards. Competitive applicants typically present a strong academic record with coursework in social studies, history, English and mathematics. Evidence of written and verbal communication skills is important.

Transfer students are welcome; transfer credit is evaluated in line with university policies. Some advanced standing in the major may be available for students who have completed introductory political science or statistics courses at another accredited institution.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Political Science and Government programme go into a wide range of careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors or continue to graduate and professional schools. Typical career paths include:

• Public service and administration at local, state or federal levels
• Policy analysis and programme evaluation for government agencies, think tanks and NGOs
• Law school and legal careers, supported by training in argumentation, constitutional issues and research
• Political campaigning, constituency outreach and legislative staff roles
• Journalism, communications, public affairs and media relations
• International organisations, diplomacy and work with international NGOs
• Further academic study in political science, public policy or related fields

The programme’s emphasis on research methods, writing and internships helps graduates develop the analytical and practical skills employers seek.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a personalised undergraduate experience with relatively small class sizes and accessible faculty who are active in research and community-engaged projects. Its location in the Detroit metropolitan area provides ready access to internship and employment opportunities with state and local government offices, advocacy organisations, media outlets and political campaigns.

Students benefit from applied learning options such as internships, practicum courses and faculty-mentored research, as well as co-curricular activities including student government, Model UN and policy clubs. The university also supports transfer pathways, study abroad options and advising that help students tailor the degree to their career goals or preparation for professional schools.