Political Science

Courses include American government, law, leadership studies, political philosophy, global issues, terrorism, campaigns and elections, foreign policy, comparative politics, and environmental politics. You also can complete an internship and learn from leaders who are active in government or agencies that serve the public.

You can choose from three concentrations: Pre-Law, Public Administration, and International Politics. If you're interested in pursuing law school, we offer a pre-law program in conjunction with the University of Iowa (see below).

Throughout your studies, you will learn how to think carefully and critically about important questions, write and speak well, ground problems in historic issues, collect information to analyze problems and gain theoretical insight, and gather practical knowledge of the political world.

Our faculty will teach you quantitative skills - such as collecting and interpreting statistics – and qualitative skills – such as discerning between public opinion and propaganda.

• Join Mock Trial at SAU. This program simulates a real courtroom trial with students serving as attorneys and witnesses. Our team consistently earns top ranks at competitions, and first-year and transfer students who commit to the team can apply for a $1,000 annual scholarship, renewable for up to eight semesters. For more information on Mock Trial, contact coach Sarah Gorham.
• Join Model U.N. and explore a range of global issues, such as international conflicts, terrorism, nuclear weapons and poverty. In November, the SAU chapter represented Colombia at the American Model United Nations Conference in Chicago. In February 2018, we will represent Germany at the Midwest Model United Nations Conference in St. Louis.
• Are you interested in a law degree? SAU has an agreement with the University of Iowa College of Law that allows you to earn your undergraduate and law degree in six years. You can apply for the 3+3 Program your junior year and if accepted, earn your senior year of undergraduate credits during your first year of law school. And, we will help you plan for your goal. Our faculty advise all pre-law students, regardless of their major. For more information, contact Dr. Joe Hebert, director of Pre-Law Studies at St. Ambrose.
• Talk to SAU alumni. Our faculty stays connected with our graduates, many who are willing to meet with current students in and outside the classroom to share their experiences in public service and leadership.
• Iowa is "first in the nation" to caucus for presidential elections, which brings a steady stream of presidential hopefuls to the area and to campus. SAU also hosts many legislative forums and political debates featuring candidates seeking local, state and national offices. These events provide extraordinary opportunities to observe, participate, volunteer, or even intern or make a career connection.
• If you are adventurous with a deep personal drive to act and seek to be immersed in countries and cultures outside of your own, our Peace Corps Prep program will help you gain the intercultural skills you need for a life-changing service experience. SAU is one of few universities in Iowa offering Peace Corps Prep, a program that makes you a stronger candidate for volunteer positions within the Peace Corps or other service programs. Employers value the skills and cultural worldview you gain in Peace Corps, and best of all, most students can earn the Peace Corps certificate without taking extra courses.

You could work for legislative, executive and judicial agencies at the national, state and local levels of government.

Your skills are also valued by non-profit agencies, including those specializing in education, philanthropy, social and community service. Or, work for a large or small business, go into communications, or technology consulting.

Our graduates go on to law school, graduate school, are employed in all levels of government, run for political office, and manage business, non-profit, and government organizations.

• Nya Hardaman ’23 is a Youth and Community Program Specialist in St. Paul, MN.
• Reece Powell ’22 is a Legislative Research Analyst for Iowa Senate Republicans.
• Kylee Colvin ’21 is an Administrative Specialist with Marine Corps Air Station in Camp Pendleton, CA.
• Hanley Preston '20 is a Technical Analyst at ANSER.
• Shannon McEachern ’19 is an Assistant State’s Attorney for DeKalb County, IL    

L. Joseph Hebert, PhD, Professor and Chair

Duk Kim, PhD, Professor

In your junior year, you can apply to the University of Iowa Law School and earn both your undergraduate and law degree in a total of six years.

If accepted to the program, you fulfill the senior year of undergraduate credits through their first year of law school courses.

This program is part of an agreement with the University of Iowa College of Law.

For more information, view the Pre-Law program page or contact Dr. Joe Hebert, Director of Pre-Law Studies at St. Ambrose.

Colin McNamara always saw law school has his destiny. He was the first student to progress through St. Ambrose's 3+3 degree plan in partnership with the University of Iowa. Read Colin's story.

Required:
+PSCI 101 American Government
+PSCI 110 Law and Society: An Introduction to the American Legal System or +PSCI 120 Truth, Justice & Politics: An Introduction to Political Philosophy
+PSCI 130 Global Issues
PSCI 400 Research in Political Science
STAT 213 Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences

At least two courses from each of the following subject areas:

1. Law and Political Philosophy: PSCI 304, PSCI 320, PSCI 330
2. Government and Leadership: PSCI 301, PSCI 360, PSCI 365, PSCI 370
3. International Relations: PSCI 230, PSCI 309, PSCI 313, PSCI 316, PSCI 319

At least one of the following:
PSCI 104 Introduction to Leadership Studies
PSCI 305 (3 semesters) Mock Trial, 1 credit each
PSCI 306 (3 semesters) Model United Nations, 1 credit each
PSCI 351 Internship in Pre-Law
PSCI 353 Internship in Politics

Read course descriptions in the online course catalog

Note: Public Administration students must consult with the Chair of Political Science for approval of electives toward the concentration. Public Administration students are strongly encouraged to double major in another field related to public service; for instance, sociology, criminal justice, psychology, etc. Public Administration students should also complete an interdisciplinary minor related to their studies; such as the organizational leadership minor, the environmental studies minor, or the pre-law minor.

For approval of second major and interdisciplinary minor, consult with political science chair, the chair of second major department, and the coordinator/director of the appropriate interdisciplinary minor.

St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants, work-study and other financial aid options! Full-time students may be eligible based on your strong academic performance in college, your talent in fine arts or athletics or your demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code for the FAFSA is 001889.