College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Political Science
Search Close Search
Give
Toggle Menu

Law, Justice and Politics

Imagine a career path that isn’t just about studying politics, but about shaping the world. The Law, Justice, and Politics career pathway goes beyond textbooks and lectures. Whether you’re drawn to the courtroom as a civil rights attorney, advocating for those whose voices need to be heard, providing legal advice to a major corporation, or donning the badge of an FBI agent protecting national security, your choices matter. Picture yourself in a courtroom fighting for justice or in legislative chambers shaping policies that transform communities. As a legislative analyst, your insights could lead to laws that make a tangible difference. In the realm of environmental advocacy, your voice could help safeguard our planet’s future.

But it’s not just about careers – it’s about impact. Whether you’re defending civil liberties, providing legal advice to a major corporation, advocating for the environment, or standing up against discrimination, your path in law, justice, and politics is a powerful force for change.

Andrew Phaff

Iowa State taught me to think critically and comprehensively by drawing on every available resource and frame of reference possible. That is a skill that once learned can be applied to any facet of life.

Andrew Phaff, ’17 political science, ’17 history

Alumni profile

  • Andrew Phaff

    Andrew Phaff is a partner attorney with Phaff Legal Consulting and Contracting located in Denver, Colorado. Read about Andrew’s experience with Iowa State’s political science department and how it shaped his career.

Curriculum

As a political science major, you’ll make instant connections in our POLS 1010 Exploring Political Science course. Taught by our department chair, this one-credit class is strategically designed to help you connect with your faculty and peers, get to know the department, and learn about potential career paths.

Our core curriculum includes two additional 1000 level courses, two 2000 level gateway courses, and six upper-level courses (3000 or higher) at least three of which are 4000 or higher. Our majors also take a research methods class.

Every political science major graduates with a resume-worthy capstone experience. You can choose from a hands-on internship, a study abroad experience, senior thesis, or completion of a graduate level political science course.

Gateway course for Law, Justice, and Politics path

POLS 2350 Introduction to Ethics and Politics

Upper-level course options for this career path

  • POLS 3110      Federal Indian Law and Policy
  • POLS 3190      Law and Politics
  • POLS 3200      American Judicial Process
  • POLS 3250      Religion, Law, and Justice
  • POLS 3330      Democracy in America
  • POLS 3340      Politics and Society
  • POLS 3390      Liberty and Law in America
  • POLS 3530      Immigration Policy
  • POLS 3540      War and the Politics of Humanitarianism
  • POLS 3560      Theories of International Politics
  • POLS 4200      Constitutional Law
  • POLS 4210      Constitutional Freedoms
  • POLS 4220      International Law
  • POLS 4300      Foundations of Western Political Thought
  • POLS 4310      Modern Political Thought
  • POLS 4350      Contemporary Political Philosophy
  • POLS 4530      International Organizations
  • POLS 4800      Ethics and Public Policy

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you can only double count one class. Talk with your advisor for guidance if you’re interested in multiple paths.

No, our career pathways are optional. Our career paths are designed to help you build skills and knowledge in a focused area and to enhance your resume and future interviews. But they are not a requirement for graduation.

Yes, if you have taken the required classes you can still get a completion letter if you are graduating fall 2023 or later.

Yes. You can also consider taking one additional class to get a minor. Our advisors can guide you on what requirements to fulfill.

  • Take the gateway course for that path
  • Take at least three additional courses from the list of upper-level courses for that path with a grade of C- or higher in each course.
  • Fill out an application showing that you have taken the necessary courses — Career Path Completion Form
  • Receive a letter of completion for the path from the Department of Political Science and list your emphasis area on your resume.

Yes, with approval from your advisor.

Contact one of the political science advisors: Megan Kassmeier, Zack Bonner, or Patrick Johnson

Take the next step