A Solid Foundation
Political science is the study of political systems and the ways they affect our lives.
Many of our most important local and national leaders have studied political science
and use their knowledge to craft policies and laws, analyze international events,
and advocate on behalf of their communities and the world.
At Illinois Wesleyan University, we engage political science students in critical
thinking about governments, civic processes, and political behavior here and around
the globe. We prepare our students to excel, whether they are interested in law school,
graduate school, the private sector, or a future in public or nonprofit service. |
The Political Science Pathway
The IWU Political Science Pathway offers students meaningful opportunities throughout
their college career to engage with faculty, community leaders, and ideas that will
develop their critical thinking skills and prepare them for a variety of careers after
graduation.
First-year students at IWU begin their journey by selecting a Gateway class: a seminar
that is organized around a high-interest topic and focused on developing students'
college-level writing skills. Students further develop their writing and analytical
skills in the Democracy Seminar and Research Methods classes, and connect with the
community through access to guest speakers and internships. As seniors, political
science students enroll in Senior Seminar, where they complete an original research
project that allows them to dig deeper into issues they are passionate about. |
The Political Science Pathway |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Summer 3 |
Year 4 |
Fall Semester |
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- May test prep
- June GRE, LSAT
- Summer internship
- Prepare for Res Publica, the IWU Political Science department's journal of original undergraduate research
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- Senior Seminar (PSCI 415)
- Graduate school applications
- Third resume
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Spring Semester |
- First resume
- Enroll in Handshake, the IWU Hart Career Center's career services system and database
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- Sophomore Tea
- Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society eligibility
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