Bachelor of Science in Political ScienceSchool of Arts and Sciences

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Study the domestic and global dynamics of politics, governance, and public affairs

Immerse yourself in the epicenter of political activity as you study just steps away from the Capitol. Our Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree program will take you on a transformative journey that delves into the heart of politics. With the State Capitol, county and city government, and a substantial federal presence, Madison offers the perfect backdrop for a dynamic educational experience. Location really matters when it means you will have unparalleled opportunities to witness democracy in action, engage with policymakers, and experience firsthand the intricacies of government at all levels.

As a political science major, you will be challenged to become proactive and involved citizens, as well as influential leaders in both your community and the political arena. The curriculum will explore fundamental principles of political theory, analyze real-world political systems, and prompt thought-provoking discussions about pressing global and national issues. Within the context of a rigorous learning environment, small classes will foster experiential learning that extends beyond the confines of the classroom. At Edgewood College, students cultivate advanced writing and communication skills, which seamlessly transition into real-world applications, equipping graduates for success across a spectrum of professional careers.

Our faculty will help guide you in selecting a concentration tailored to your academic and professional goals. We aspire to align you with the course of study that fosters intellectual growth and prepares you for success in your post-graduate pursuits. Political Science alumni have gone onto serve in elected office, practice law, or work as state or federal legislative aides, public administrators, campaign managers, or with non-profit organizations.

General Political Science concentration

The general concentration offers a broad and well-rounded overview of political science that emphasizes choice and flexibility in meeting requirements for the major.

Pre-Law concentration

The pre-law concentration is designed to introduce students to subjects relevant to the systematic study of law within the framework of American government. Students thinking about going to law school might especially consider this concentration.

International Relations concentration

Delve into global and comparative political systems while covering topics such as diplomacy, conflict resolution, democracy promotion, national security, and socioeconomic development. Students will develop skills in analyzing and evaluating political behavior, power, conflict, ideologies, laws, policies, and institutions.

Political Economy concentration

This concentration focuses on the interrelationship between political and economic systems. Students will engage in courses drawn from both economics and political science and develop well-honed skills in the tools of political and economic analysis that lay at the heart of public administration, management, and public policy.

Locations
Madison, WI

Formats
On-campus

Number of Credits
120

Next Start Date
January 21, 2025

Careers within Political Science

$99,410

Average annual salary for a Management Analyst

10%

Projected employment growth rate, from 2022-2032

Bureau of Labor Statistics

A bachelor’s degree in Political Science prepares you for a variety of career paths.

Campaign Manager
Intelligence Analyst
Journalist/Political Reporter
Lobbyist
Policy Analyst
Political Consultant
Public Administrator
Public Policy Advisor
Public Relations Specialist
Urban or Regional Planner

Political Science by the Numbers

12:1

Student to faculty ratio

85%

Students participate in an internship

76%

Alumni are directly employed in local, state, or federal government

Political Science Student Spotlight

Paige Banks ‘24

Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Concentration: Pre-Law, Minor in Economics

“Edgewood College provided me with the chance to pursue my passion in politics by offering various internship and work opportunities at the Capitol! The coursework designed by faculty directed translated into my everyday work while in the Office of the Governor.”

Shane Garvey ‘24

Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Concentration: General

“A nurturing atmosphere, but one that also expects a lot from you. This environment allowed me, as a student, to grow and expand my capabilities through one-on-one dialogues and coursework that truly challenged me. I feel as if I’ve come away as a more experienced and well-rounded individual.”

Featured Courses in Political Science

Political Science 343 – Constitutional Law and Politics

Examines the political issues and conflicts that arise as society attempts to apply and interpret the US Constitution, especially as it regards civil rights and civil liberties. This would include such controversies as censorship, the rights of the accused, abortion, affirmative action, discrimination, privacy, and federalism. The roles played by the Supreme Court, the rest of the federal judiciary, state courts, Congress, the President, private interests, and public opinion. Notable past constitutional cases that helped shape current interpretations of the Constitution.

Political Science 352 – Environmental Politics

This course examines the political dynamics that underlie environmental policymaking in the United States. Major issues in environmental policy, including public lands, wildlife, pollution and energy will be examined, as well as the role of governmental institutions, interest groups and the public in formulating environmental policy.

Political Science 460 – Mass Media & Politics

How media has transformed American politics in the last half-century. Explores the assumption that media coverage of politics is not apart from the events it reports on, but rather a determinant, in many ways, of those events. How the presentation of political reality by the media, especially social media and TV, affects elections, political behavior, public opinion, policy debates, and the notion of citizenship and democracy.

Explore All Courses For This Program

Student Organizations

Student Senate

Student Senate serves as the voice of the Edgewood College student community. Working collectively, students strive to advocate for student interests both within the college and the neighboring communities. With a passion for serving others, Student Senate works passionately to enhance education, student life, and the overall Edgewood experience.

Political Science Experiences

Most of the political science concentrations require students to complete an internship, offering valuable hands-on experience. Edgewood students commonly intern with members of Congress, state legislators, law firms, advocacy groups or state and municipal agencies. Some of the examples include:

Menn Law Firm
Office of Governor Tony Evers
Office of U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman
Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
State Senate Page
State Senator Lena Taylor
United States Department of Agriculture

Political Science Faculty Spotlights

Steven Davis, PhD

Professor of Political Science

davis@edgewood.edu

David Vitse

Adjunct Instructor

DVitse@edgewood.edu

Kevin Biller

Associate Professor, Economics | Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences

biller@edgewood.edu

Amitabh Pal

Adjunct Instructor

apal@edgewood.edu

View All Faculty

Enhance Your Political Science Major

As political science majors, students will be intensively trained to understand and apply the tools of social science analysis, culminating in the development of a senior capstone project of original research. These methodology skills will also serve students well in graduate school and/or future employment.

Political Science students with a concentration in International Relations can further their studies with an extensive array of short-term and semester-long study aboard opportunities available through Edgewood’s Center for Global Education.

Given that Madison is at the center of so much political activity, studying political science at Edgewood offers the student endless opportunities for volunteering and partaking in all sorts of civic engagement from working on campaigns to being an election worker.

Some of the incredible things political science alumni have gone on to do includes serving as:

Mayor of Stillwater, MN
State Representative, Wisconsin 41st Assembly District
Dane County Board of Supervisors–District 36
Legislative Affairs Director, WI Governor’s Office
Assistant Deputy Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Administration
Intelligence Analyst, Central Intelligence Agency
Associate Attorney – U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
Political Director, Virginia Democratic Party
Environmental Analysis & Review Specialist at Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Economic Development Manager, City of San Antonio
Regional Planner at Lamoille County (VT) Planning Commission
Communication Specialist, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Assistant State Public Defender, La Crosse
Chief of Staff, Wisconsin State Senate.
Owner and Founder of Rishi Tea