Program Overview
Political Science, B.A.
The Political Science major at Saint Louis University can prepare students for advanced study in various areas, including law, public administration, international relations, urban affairs, business, and political science. Political scientists study power, politics, and various political processes, systems, and behaviors.
Program Highlights
- Undergraduates can take classes before earning their B.A. in political science and quickly finish an M.A. in political science as part of the accelerated M.A. program.
- SLU's political science program is distinctive in its commitment to preparing students to become engaged citizens locally and globally.
- The SLU political science department is big enough to offer a wide range of classes and small enough that students get individual attention from faculty.
Curriculum Overview
Students can study the politics of most areas of the world and global security and economic development issues. They can augment their study of politics with work in various distinctive interdisciplinary programs.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Undergraduate students majoring in political science at SLU may take six credits of electives through internships offered in areas such as political campaigns, foreign service, state and federal government, and overseas fieldwork.
Careers
Graduates with an undergraduate degree in political science are prepared for jobs in government, international organizations, community and nonprofit organizations, education, law, NGOs, journalism, diplomacy, survey research, and fields related to the promotion of social justice.
Admission Requirements
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicants file.
Tuition
Tuition Per Year: $56,960
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education: scholarships and financial aid.
Program Requirements
Political Science students must complete 34-37 credits for the major.
- University Undergraduate Core: 32-35 credits
- Major Requirements:
- POLS 1150: American Political Systems
- Comparative Politics Requirement: 3 credits
- International Relations Requirement: 3 credits
- Political Thought Requirement: 3 credits
- POLS 2000: Methods in Political Science
- Political Science Electives: 12 credits
- Senior Seminar Requirement: 6 credits
Concentrations
The major in political science offers several concentrations:
- General Major
- International Affairs Concentration
- International Relations Concentration (SLU-Madrid)
- Public Law Concentration
- Public Policy Concentration
Roadmaps
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
SLU-Madrid
SLU-Madrid's political science program fosters a theoretical and empirical understanding of key international dynamics, major crises, and opportunities for change. It aims to give students strong analytical skills and functional competencies specific to political science and international relations.
Faculty
The faculty at Saint Louis University-Madrid are experts in their respective fields. They are internationally recognized teachers, researchers, and mentors.
Fieldwork, Internships, and Careers
A degree in international relations prepares students for careers in local, state, and federal governments, diplomacy, international trade and business, non-governmental organizations, policy analysis, political research, law, and education.
Admission to SLU-Madrid
SLU-Madrid Application: The application deadlines are May 1 for fall admission and September 1 for spring admission.
Tuition and Fees at SLU-Madrid
SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at the Madrid campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.