Students may not declare this major after the Fall 2026 term.

Students prior to Spring 2027, please refer to original catalog of entry for appropriate academic requirements.

College: The Goodwin College of Business and Liberal Arts
Department: Society, Justice, and Politics
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Campus: Both Lisle Campus and Mesa Campus

Requirements - Major

Students majoring in Political Science must complete at least 45 semester credit hours with a grade of “C” or better, including:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core
PLSC 1102	American Government	3
PLSC 2105	Law and Politics	3
PLSC 2201	State and Local Government	3
PLSC 2210	Introduction to International Relations	3
PLSC 4299	Research Methods in Political Science	3
PLSC 4399	Thesis Research and Writing	3
Electives
Select six semester credit hours of Political Science electives at the 2000 level or higher		6
Select fifteen semester credit hours of Political Science electives at the 3000 level or higher 1		15
Total Hours		39

¹

or a department approved course

Pre-Law Concentration

The pre-law concentration requires the course requirements for the political science major and the following: 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
PLSC 3330	US Constitutional Law I	3
PLSC 3331	US Constitutional Law II	3
Select one of the following:		3
PHIL 2245	General Ethics
PHIL 2200	Introduction to Logic
PHIL 2260	Social & Political Philosophy
Select one of the following:		3
LITR 2299	Methods of Textual Analysis
LITR 2298	Advanced Academic and Nonfiction Writing
Select nine semester credit hour courses in PLSC, ECON, SOCL, CRIM, HIST, LITR, or Deaprtement Approved courses (6 hours must be at the 3000-level or above)		9
Total Hours		21

Political Science students at Benedictine University learn theoretical and practical material about political systems – domestic and international - and their processes. The department is additionally committed to developing a strong understanding of the concept of citizenship and a commitment to public service and civic life. Political Science faculty take pride in challenging students and helping them in developing critical research, writing and oral communications skills while introducing them to a multitude of hands on, real-world opportunities in the field.

A Benedictine University political science degree prepares students to pursue career opportunities in national, state and local governments, journalism, education, nonprofit organizations, and international development, among others, and graduate study in political science, law, public administration, business or other advanced study.

The program is designed to:

1. Provide theoretical and practical knowledge about politics in the United States and political systems and processes around the world;
2. Prepare students to pursue careers in law, journalism, business, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, politics and public service, and government and international organizations and agencies, among others;
3. Provide students an opportunity to choose from concentrations in pre-law or international affairs;
4. Develop writing and research ability and critical-thinking essential for success in any career choice;
5. Develop a strong understanding of the concept of citizenship and a commitment to public service;
6. Provide non-classroom learning experiences in government, law, business, and other opportunities under the Center for Civic Leadership;