This is the Beloit College development site. Please use www.beloit.edu instead.

BA in Political Science

Professor Beth Dougherty leads a course in a classroom of Morse-Ingersoll Hall.

Lead and shape the world with purpose

What is Political Science?

Political science is the study of power, governance, institutions, and how societies organize themselves. Political science students explore political systems at the local, national, and global levels, asking essential questions: What is justice? How do different governments work? How does public policy shape lives and communities?

Students analyze political theory, policy design, civic engagement, social justice, and the dynamics of conflict and cooperation. Through writing, research, simulations, and discussion, you develop a deep understanding of political processes and values.

Why study Political Science?

Studying political science gives you the tools to engage with real-world issues, from climate policy to human rights, from electoral reform to global development. You’ll learn how to critically evaluate institutions, design policy solutions, and communicate ideas to diverse audiences.

This major prepares you for careers in government and public service, and also for roles in law, journalism, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and international organizations. Your political science training develops highly sought-after professional skills — analytical reasoning, public speaking, and persuasive writing.

Why study Political Science at Beloit College?

At Beloit College, political science is integrated into a broad, socially engaged education. Courses cover a wide variety of topics, classical justice, environmental politics, women and politics in Africa, race and ethnicity, human rights, and more. Students may take part in policy simulations, write briefs, or run shadow campaigns.

Beloit College students also benefit from rich global perspectives. Many study abroad in places like Washington, D.C. or Amsterdam, and several alumni have won prestigious Fulbright Scholarships. The department encourages interdisciplinary learning — you can easily double-major or combine political science with programs like critical identity studies, environmental studies, health & society, or law & justice.

Faculty are active scholars and public intellectuals, bridging theory and practice in their teaching. Classes frequently draw students from a variety of disciplines, making for dynamic discourse and shared learning across perspectives.

Details

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Specialization

Major

Credits Required

13 units (52 semester hours)

Format

In-person

Related Departments & Schools

Related Offerings

Political Science curriculum

Political science majors study political theory, institutions, public policy, comparative politics, and international relations. You’ll learn to analyze political systems, design policy, and communicate effectively about power and justice.

Political Science Major (13 Units)

Nine departmental units (5 of which must be taken at Beloit College):
1. At least l unit from each of the four subfields:
  1. U.S. politics: 110, 215, 216, 221, 225.
  2. Comparative politics: 130, 237, 249, 255, 261, 265, 270, 272.
  3. International relations: 160, 237, 246, 250, 255, 262, 270, 275.
  4. Political theory: 180, 280, 285, 287.
2. One unit from Political Science 310, 330, 380, 386, or Interdisciplinary Studies 375.
3. Four additional units in political science.
4. No more than 3 units at the 100-level may count toward the major.

Supporting courses (4 units):
1. One unit in economics.
2. One unit in history.
3. Two units from Philosophy 100 (logic), any (non-native) language, or any statistics (including Political Science 201 if taken as a 10th political science unit).

An experiential learning activity that might include an internship, off-campus study semester, honors project, or research special projects, as approved by the advisor.
Students are strongly encouraged to develop an area of thematic emphasis in their course of study.
Writing/communication requirement: Political science majors are expected to be proficient in multiple modes of writing, including the different kinds of work involved in research oriented projects, close textual exegesis, policy analysis, and other forms of writing related to applied politics, such as position papers and reports. Our curriculum is structured with an eye toward introducing students to each of these forms of writing, and graduating seniors should have encountered each of them in fulfilling their major requirements. In addition, our capstone seminars (300-level courses) seek to provide students with a sustained research and writing project.

Political Science courses cover political philosophy, comparative institutions, policy processes, justice, and governance.

[POLS 160] International Politics: Introduction to the workings of the international political and economic systems from both a practical and theoretical perspective. Offers a brief history of the key events which have shaped international politics, introduces the major theoretical approaches of the discipline, and explores mechanisms for conflict and cooperation.
[POLS 180] Introduction to Political Thinking: Introduction to political philosophy through consideration of the enduring question: What is justice? Investigates responses offered by ancient thinkers and those of the early modern period in order to examine the historical development of political theory in the Western tradition.
[POLS 214] Race and Ethnicity in America: This course addresses the issues of race and ethnicity in American politics through two lenses: the crafting and implementation of domestic policies (such as welfare, education, and the criminal justice system) and the framing of political decisions. After an introduction to historical, sociological, and psychological approaches to the study of race and ethnicity, we apply these approaches to studies of American public policy.
[POLS 262] Human Rights Seminar: The study of international human rights. Topics include the role of the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations; the position of women and gender-based cultural practices; refugees and asylum practices; labor practices; the death penalty and juvenile justice; health and human rights; indigenous peoples; civil and political liberties; and economic rights.
[POLS 386] Studies in Comparative Political Thought: Capstone course that examines a particular theme, applied to various thinkers and countries of the world across time and space. Students will develop their own major research paper on a particular thinker or country and will present that paper in class.

Political Science outcomes

Completing a political science major at Beloit College prepares you to participate meaningfully in civic life, to address policy challenges, and to be a leader in public service, advocacy, or diplomatic work. You’ll graduate with both analytical insight and practical experience in governance and public affairs.

Students completing the Bachelor of Arts in political science at Beloit College can:

Critically evaluate political systems and their structures.
Understand institutional and cultural factors that shape power and governance.
Design reasoned responses to social and political problems.
Write policy briefs and develop persuasive arguments.
Synthesize diverse perspectives to inform decision-making and analysis.
Collaborate effectively toward solutions in group or community settings.
Apply knowledge through civic engagement, including simulations, public policy work, and community participation.

Business & Economic Research: Gather data, analyze trends, and support research projects on markets, industries, or public issues. ($55,000 → $100,000+)
Campaign Strategy & Political Communication: Plan campaign messages, analyze voter data, and support outreach across political communication channels. ($50,000 → $100,000+)
Data Analytics & Reporting: Gather data, create reports, and help teams make evidence-based decisions. ($50,000 → $100,000+)
Government & Public Administration: Support public programs, manage resources, and help agencies deliver services to communities. ($50,000 → $100,000+)
Government & Public Service: Contribute research, analysis, and cultural expertise to civic or international initiatives. ($45,000 → $90,000+)
Legal Practice & Law Careers: Research legal issues, support case preparation, and contribute to work within legal systems. ($50,000 → $150,000+)
Policy Analysis & Public Affairs: Study laws and programs, evaluate policy outcomes, and help recommend practical public solutions. ($45,000 → $120,000+)
Social Policy & Advocacy: Research community needs, analyze social issues, and support programs that promote equity and well-being. ($40,000 → $80,000+)

Reviewed on November 2025. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary figures shown here are estimates. Actual pay will vary by position, industry, location, education, and experience. Some pathways and positions may require additional education or certifications. For more detailed information, please explore reputable career and salary resources.

Restorative justice

Samuel Shobert ’26 interned at the Columbus office of the Ohio Justice and Policy Center (OJPC), a non-profit founded by civil rights attorney Al Gerhardstein ’73.

Thomas Fleming, Class of 2027

The pursuit of justice

Thomas Fleming ’27 spent his summer conducting independent research on criminal charging decisions in Rock County, WI.

Studying working class politics

McNair Scholar Jake Fein ’27 spent the summer conducting independent research about the political attitudes of the working class.

Lily Wojtowicz

Beloit alumna tackles U.S. nuclear strategy

Lily Wojtowicz (IR ’11) is a research fellow at the Centre for International Security at the Hertie School in Berlin.

Lyndon Defoe, Jasmine Nears’09, and Alex Kalb in Madison at a voter drive sponsored by America Votes.

Pathways to Public Service

While the notion of public service may seem quaint in this time of deep partisan divisions, the careers of these four alumni prove that there are many ways to work for the collective public good, and that the liberal arts and a Beloit education have always been invaluable preparation for that work.

Your Next Steps

Obtain your Political Science degree at Beloit College

Request more information

Share a few quick details, and we will connect you with your admissions counselor and information that fits your interests.

Request Information about Beloit College

A Beloit College counselor speaks with a student.

Schedule your campus visit

The best way to get to know Beloit College is to be here. Take a tour of campus, talk with students, and see Beloit for yourself.

Visit the Beloit College Campus

An aerial view of the Beloit College campus with the City of Beloit downtown just beyond the campus edge.

Start your application

Found what you have been looking for? Apply today and begin your path toward an undergraduate degree from Beloit College.

Apply to Beloit College

A Beloit College graduate on stage looks to the crowd while receiving a stole during their commencement ceremony.