Political Science
Program Details
As a student in the political science major, you'll pursue answers to the vital questions of equity, justice and peace in the modern world. Challenging courses consider the best political and social science literature with a view toward gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary and foreign controversies. In this way, you'll confront the promise and limits of political and social solutions to humanity's most challenging problems.
The major also provides the opportunity to examine particular topics in depth through elective courses, as well as the chance to engage politics directly by participating in one of our department's political internship programs or engaging in a faculty-mentored undergraduate research project.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Political Science major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- POLITICAL SCIENCE 120: Comparative Gov't and Politics ............ 3cr.
- ENGLISH 101: English Composition ............ 3cr.
- second language I ............ 3cr.
- MATHEMATICS 116: Elementary Statistics ............ 3cr.
- First Year Seminar ............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: GOA Co-curriculum Program I ............ 0cr.
Spring
- POLITICAL SCIENCE 140: American Government and Politics ............ 3cr.
- Scientific Perspective ............ 3cr.
- second language II ............ 3cr.
- PHILOSOPHY 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy ............ 3cr.
- THEOLOGY 111: Theological Foundations ............ 3cr.
- CORE 102: GOA Co-curriculum Program II ............ 0cr.
Fall
- POLITICAL SCIENCE 277: International Relations ............ 3cr.
- ECONOMICS 200: Micro Economics ............ 3cr.
- Quantitative Elective ............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- PHILOSOPHY 200: Philosophical Perspectives ............ 3cr.
Spring
- POLITICAL SCIENCE 301:Political Philosophy ............ 3cr.
- ECON 201: Macroeconomics ............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- Writing Intensive Elective ............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspectives ............ 3cr.
Fall
- Political Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- Political Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- ENGLISH 205: Literature and the Moral Imagination ............ 3cr.
- ER/S Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- Political Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- Political Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- DCR Elective ............ 3cr.
- Natural Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Fall
- POLITICAL SCIENCE 390:Seminar ............ 3cr.
- Political Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- Political Science Elective #6 ............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- Oral Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Sample Courses
Sample courses within the politcal science major curriculum:
- Comparative Government and Politics (POLI 120) - This course offers an introduction to various political systems and compares them across different national settings.
- American Government and Politics (POLI 140) - This course provides an introduction to both the theory and practice of the American political system.
- Governing Cincinnati (POLI 241) - Examination of the politics and government of Cincinnati, including local campaign politics, policy decision-making and the influences of local media. Through engaging lectures, interactive activities and experiential learning opportunities, students will develop the analytical skills, critical thinking abilities and practical knowledge necessary to navigate and engage with the complexities of local politics effectively.
- American Political Humor (POLI 250) - This course examines the role of political humor and satire in American politics and how political humor, comedy and satire shape public opinion and political outcomes. Students analyze historical and contemporary examples of humor, comedy and satire and the impact of these forms of political communication on politics and society. Students also discuss the limits of political humor as a vehicle for social and political change and critically evaluate arguments about political humor and free speech, civility and power in modern society.
- International Relations (POLI 277) - This course covers various aspects of international relations, offering a exploration of key concepts and practices shaping global politics. Through an in-depth examination, students will explore the intricate theories underpinning international relations, including the dynamics of nationalism, imperialism, disarmament, arms control, diplomacy and collective security.
- Political Philosophy (POLI 301) - This course provides a comprehensive analysis of fundamental issues in political philosophy. Students will engage in a detailed exploration of key concepts and theories, focusing particularly on the significance and critique of classic modernity.
Career Outcomes
99% of Xavier students, including those in the political science major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2022). Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Careers: Campaign Feldwork, City Planning, Community Relations, Consumer Research, Demography, Editorial Writing, Financial Planning, Foreign Service, Government Relations, Grant Writing, International Banking, Non-Governmental Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Law, Legislative Assistance, Political Systems Research, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Relations, Reporting, Statistical Research, Teaching
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshop series on interviewing and resume writing techniques and maintaining an educational, vocational and employer information resource center. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for positions in business and industry.
Student Clubs
- College Democrats- Members of this club engage the Xavier community on political issues with a progressive, liberal perspective.
- College Republicans- Members of this club educate members of the Xavier community about the values and principles of the Republican Party.
- Mock Trial Team- The overall purpose of Xavier's Mock Trial Team is to develop legal and trial skills and to prepare prospective law students for law school and the legal world. Members will gain trial experience in a "mock" setting and also learn from a team of Cincinnati area attorneys and former Mock Trial participants who serve as coaches.
- Political Science Club- Xavier's Political Science Club is a fun and open platform for students of all backgrounds, political beliefs and ideologies to come together and discuss current events and political "hot topics." This club is meant to provide a non-partisan space to promote growth and further interest in politics.
- Women in Politics- Women in Politics is a bipartisan club that works to empower women to become involved in politics and seek careers in related fields. We aim to show women what opportunities are available, provide career development resources, facilitate discussions about obstacles for women in politics, and tackle today's biggest women's issues from both sides of the aisle.
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Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Political Decision-Making
Gain real-world experience through internships and academic seminars in Cincinnati, Washington, D.C. and the Ohio State Legislature. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in the department's Summer State Politics Internship Program at the Ohio General Assembly.
Dive Deep into Political Research Under the Guidance of Faculty
Here, you'll have the chance to work closely with faculty on major research projects and present your findings at conferences. Plus, explore opportunities with the Xavier Journal of Politics, where you can contribute to the editorial process or submit your own work for publication, gaining valuable experience in high-level research.
Learn About International Politics Firsthand in a Study Abroad Program
Xavier's study abroad programs offer political science majors the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in international politics. These programs cater specifically to political science students and are available in diverse locations such as Paris, Ireland, Costa Rica, Australia and many other countries.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Political Science Major at Xavier University
Xavier’s political science program challenges students to pursue answers to the vital questions of equity, justice, and peace in the modern world. Our rigorous courses consider the best political and social science literature with a focus on gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary domestic and foreign controversies, including those of human rights, democracy, equality, race, poverty, social class and war.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."