Political Science Degree

The political science program at University of Illinois at Springfield prepares students for careers in federal, state, and local governments, as well as law, business, international organizations, nonprofit associations, campaign management and polling, journalism, electoral politics, and more. The program focuses the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Program courses include: political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of political institutions and processes. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer political science degrees.

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University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS)

3700 W 103rd St, Chicago, IL

About
University of Illinois at Springfield, located in Springfield, Illinois, was founded in 1969 as Sangamon State University. The school as established through a measure approved by the Illinois General Assembly with the intention of establishing it as an upper division university providing only the final two years of a four year education alongside graduate studies. Over the first two decades the school experienced steady growth both in enrollment and facilities, and by 1980 had build it first dormitories, providing residence for students. In 1995 the board of regents governing the school was removed and Sangamon State University joined the University of Illinois System, resulting in a name change to the current. In 2005 the school became a full four year institution having introduced a new general education curriculum and adding lower division studies, allowing students to enroll as freshmen for the first time the following year.

Academics
The University of Illinois at Springfield offers a variety of degrees in many majors, allowing students to choose the program of study that best reflects the student's needs and goals. Bachelor degrees are obtained over the course of four years through the completion of lower and upper division courses, general education classes and electives that allow for study of non major related subjects. Undergraduates may also pursue a minor degree. Minor degrees are obtained through a set course of additional study that provides the student with limited addition knowledge and expertise in a secondary field. The school also offers a number of master degree options. Master degree programs typically require a bachelor's degree to have been earned, strong GRE or other graduate exam scores, and an excellent academic record, additionally students may be required to meet additional criteria specific to the graduate program they are applying to.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Biology
• Criminal Justice
• Social Work
• Liberal Studies

Admissions and Financial Aid
Admissions at the University of Illinois at Springfield is decided through a combination of class rank, GPA and test scores. Students may apply online, providing the necessary information to allow the college to render a decision regarding specific student enrollment. Students must have completed a high school education or equivalent, in particular the core curriculum necessary for graduating. In addition a personal statement and essay will be used to further evaluate applicants prior to final decision. Students will be notified once the decision process is complete, with accepted students being provided the information necessary to begin their educational experience at the school.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the resulting information from which will be used to determine need, aid program eligibility and monetary awards. Financial aid must be reapplied prior to the start of each academic year. Students may be randomly chosen to provide additional financial information in order to verify the FAFSA's accuracy due to new federal regulations for aid. Merit scholarships may also be available to residents of Illinois who demonstrate academic excellence in high school and continue to do so throughout their undergraduate years.

Students Enrolled in the Political Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. UIS has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Political Scientists

Description

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, political scientists employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -2.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Average Hourly Rate: $32.54
  • Average Annual Salary: $67680

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).