Political Science

Political science is one of the broadest degrees in higher education and one that produces graduates with wide-ranging skills who can transition to any number of interesting careers.

Political decisions affect almost every aspect of our daily lives. As a political science major, you will explore the political forces that have impacted and continue to shape our world, probing such topics as civil liberties, human rights, the exercise of authority, American foreign policy and the impact of globalization on the economy.

The program aims to produce graduates with a solid core understanding of diverse political landscapes and the people they impact, but who are also skilled in critical thinking, research, the ability to analyze and synthesize information, and who can articulate these perspectives orally and in writing.

It’s a skill set that opens doors to any number of career paths: government, politics, law, education, national security, intelligence, communications, public and non-profit agencies, foreign-service entities, and business, to name a few.

Earn your bachelor's and master's degrees in 5 years

Hilbert’s unique 4+1 BS/MPA program lets you earn your bachelor’s degree in political science and your master’s in public administration in five years, saving you up to two semesters of graduate school.

Students are admitted to the graduate program after completing all undergraduate degree requirements, without the need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and begin taking graduate courses during their final year of undergraduate studies. Learn more about the MPA program.

4+1 Policy

Real-world experience and effective mentoring

A unique aspect of the political science program is the opportunity for you to earn college credit while gaining real-world experience through an internship. This is where you will see politics and government in action — how decisions and policies are made and the consequences of those actions.

Internships also help you shape and learn to articulate your personal philosophy, and to explore possible career paths.

Hilbert’s 14-to-1 student/faculty ratio means you will learn in small-sized classes from professors with experience in the field. What’s more, Hilbert’s faculty advisers will work with you to identify a rewarding career path and offer job-search guidance.