Political Science
Whether you aspire to be a leader in politics, law, government service, or within a public agency, St. Ambrose has a program to help you achieve your goals.
Our graduates work at the U.S. District Court, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, Hopkins & Huebner, AmeriCorps, and others. Many advance to graduate studies and have attended the University of Iowa and DePaul University Law School, among others.
Ambrose Advantages
- Curriculum that sets a solid foundation for political leadership and advanced degrees in law and political science
- Present and defend your research in our fully-funded Mock Trial and Model UN teams
- One-on-one mentorships with our experienced faculty who hold real-world expertise
Our Political Science program teaches you to think critically, understand the challenges and opportunities faced by a complex world, and discern the role you can play in the betterment of society.
READ OUR POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PROGRAM SHEET (PDF)
More Information on the Political Science Program
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.
If service is included in your future plans, we one of few universities in Iowa offering Peace Corps Prep, a program that can make you a stronger candidate for volunteer positions within the Peace Corps or other service programs.
Most students can earn the certificate – awarded by the Peace Corps – without taking extra courses. Talk to your advisor if you're interested.
- 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.
- Joe Barnum '16 is employed with AmeriCorps as a team leader for FEMA in the Southern Region of the United States headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
- Kathryn Brown '14 is at DePaul University Law School and serves as judicial extern for the Honorable Joan H. Lefkow of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and is the managing editor of lead articles for the DePaul Law Review.
- Henry J. Marquard '13 is the Director of Government Affairs at the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce in Davenport.
L. Joseph Hebert, PhD, Professor and Chair
Duk Kim, PhD, Professor
Pre-Law Program
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.
Degree Requirements
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:
- Law and Political Philosophy: PSCI 304, PSCI 320, PSCI 330
- Government and Leadership: PSCI 301, PSCI 360, PSCI 365, PSCI 370
- 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.
Required:
+PSCI 101 American Government
+PSCI 130 Global Issues
1 course in law and political philosophy
1 course in government and leadership
1 course in international studies
One of the following:
+PSCI 104 Introduction to Leadership Studies
+PSCI 110 Law and Society: An Introduction to the American Legal System
+PSCI 120 Truth, Justice & Politics: An Introduction to Political Philosophy
See the Interdisciplinary Minors page for details.
This is the suggested plan of study for graduating in four years with a degree in Political Science and Leadership Studies. This plan assumes the student has not met the foreign language requirement (three years of foreign language in high school).
Year One
Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
PSCI 101, 104, or 110 | 3 | +PSCI 130 Global Issues | 3 |
+Oral Communication | 3 | PSCI 101, 104, or 110 | 3 |
+Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | +Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 |
+Humanities | 3 | Foreign Language 101 | 3 |
NSS New Student Seminar | 1 | Creative Arts | 3 |
Information Literacy | 1 | +KIN 149 | 1 |
Total Credits | 14 | Total Credits | 16 |
Year Two
Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
+PSCI 120 Truth, Justice and Politics | 3 | PSCI 230 or 232; 309 or 316*; 309 or 319 | 3 |
PSCI 320* OR 330* | 3 | PSCI 320* or 330* | 3 |
+Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | +Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 |
+Humanities | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
+Health and Fitness | 3 | Natural Science | 3 |
Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Three
Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
PSCI 301, 360, or 370 | 3 | PSCI 230, 309, 316, 319 | 3 |
+Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | PSCI 365* | 3 |
+STAT 213 | 3 | Electives | 6 |
PSCI 230, 309, 313, 316, or 319 | 3 | ||
Elective | 3 | ||
Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 12 |
Year Four
Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
PSCI 400* (either fall or spring) | 3 | PSCI 400* (either fall or spring) | 3 |
Electives | 12 | Electives | 12 |
Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
*Needs prerequisite
+satisfies a general education requirement
Scholarships and Grants
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.
ON CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.0 GPA: $24,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $22,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $20,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $18,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $14,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
OFF CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.o GPA: $17,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $16,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $15,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $14,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $13,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONAL AID
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship: $500 per year
Parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Catholic Traditions Scholarship: $1,000 per year
Students with Catholic religious denomination or plans to graduate from Catholic high school
Minority Scholarship: $500 per year
Ethnically diverse student
Athletic Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability
Fine Arts Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Scholarships are determined by unweighted GPA, and are renewable for four years of undergraduate student. Increases in scholarship awards due to change in GPA will be reviewed until March 1.
Grants are money that you don't repay, and they can come from government or private sources. SAU receives all financial aid funds directly - including loans and grants - then applies them to your account: once in the fall term and once in the spring term. Grants can be used to cover your tuition, books, and housing costs. You must apply for grants each academic year. If you have any loan funds in excess of your costs, you may receive a refund. If you are a first-time borrower, there is a 30-day hold on your first disbursement. For all of these grants, you must complete the Free Application Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it is available.
Iowa Tuition Grant
To be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant, you must be a resident of Iowa as defined by the State Board of Regents and currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Iowa college or university (SAU is eligible). Iowa College Aid administers need-based college financial aid for Iowans, such as the Iowa Tuition Grant.
Award: $7,500 maximum
Federal Pell Grant
Awarded to students of the highest need based on how much your family can contribute to your education. The U.S. Department of Education sets a threshold. Then, when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it computes where you land within that threshold and determines if you qualify for the grant and for how much.
Award: $6,895 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
To qualify, you must file a FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 15 and you must qualify for a Pell Grant. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have submitted all required documents for review and in time for the review to be complete. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant or SEOG, the awards will appear on your financial aid award letter.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Must secure campus employment.
Award: $2,560
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Provides aid to students intending to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low-income families (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education or a state education agency). Review criteria and all details here.
Award: up to $4,000
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Student Financial Services where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Ana Sperling '19
Ana achieved an amazing academic feat: she earned her degree in political science in three years and completed internships with Cobham Mission Systems, U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-4), and the Quad City Times. Her goal is a career that dives into public policy, perhaps working local or state government, in a state or federal agency, or as a prosecutor.
Read Ana's Story

Rachel Molsberry
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science,Equal Justice Works Fellow,Class of 2014
We believe your SAU experience should lead to personal discovery, like it did for Rachel. That is why we offer all students an educational foundation grounded in the Liberal Arts and Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
Contact
L. Joseph Hebert, PhD, Department Chair
Political Science and Leadership Studies
Folwell Center
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport
563-333-6402
HebertJosephL@sau.edu