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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.