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Global Engagement

The Global Engagement career path is for those who see borders as bridges and cultures as classrooms. Imagine yourself as a foreign service officer, representing your nation on the global stage, forging diplomatic relations, and resolving international issues through dialogue and cooperation. Or picture yourself as a teacher, sharing your knowledge and nurturing young minds to become global citizens. As an international business executive, you could navigate the complexities of the global market, fostering international trade and economic growth.

Whether you’re an expert for an international organization, a journalist covering global stories, or serving in the military, you’ll be a part of something bigger – a movement towards a more interconnected and compassionate world. Your choices affect lives and shape a future where understanding, cooperation, and humanity know no bounds.

Samantha Haase

I developed the tools and passion while in the political science department that emboldened me to pursue internships with the State Department, travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, and begin my career with the U.S. government.

Samantha Haase, ’15 political science and international studies

Alumni profile

  • Samantha Haase

    Samantha shares how a degree in political science opened doors for her career at the U.S. Department of Defense in the Defense Resources & Infrastructure office and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

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 Global Engagement path

  • POLS 2220X     Global Engagement

Upper-level course options for this career path

  • POLS 3050      Comparative Political Behavior
  • POLS 3400      Politics of Developing Areas
  • POLS 3420      Chinese Politics
  • POLS 3430      Latin American Government and Politics
  • POLS 3460      European Politics
  • POLS 3480      British Government and Politics
  • POLS 3490      Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe
  • POLS 3500      Politics of the Middle East
  • POLS 3530      Immigration Policy
  • POLS 3540      War and the Politics of Humanitarianism
  • POLS 3550      War and Politics
  • POLS 3560      Theories of International Politics
  • POLS 3570      International Security Policy
  • POLS 3580      United States Foreign Policy
  • POLS 3590      Current Issues in American Foreign Policy
  • POLS 3700      Religion and Politics
  • POLS 3810      International Political Economy
  • POLS 4040      Proseminar in International Relations
  • POLS 4050      Proseminar in Comparative Politics
  • POLS 4220      International Law
  • POLS 4430      Energy Policy
  • POLS 4520      Comparative Foreign Policy
  • POLS 4530      International Organizations

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

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