Home / Academics / Departments / Political Science & Law
Political Science & Law
It takes sharp thinkers, skillful negotiators, and competent data analysts to navigate today’s globalized yet fractured political landscape. The Political Science and Law Department will give you the foundation to succeed in careers in local, state, and national government, law, foreign affairs, the media, and the business or nonprofit worlds. We also provide advising and preparatory materials for those seeking careers in the legal profession.
Majors
Political Science
Enhance your learning with minors available in Political Science, International Studies or Legal Studies.
Learn More
Minors
Government impacts every career field—so why not understand how it works? This flexible minor starts with American Government and lets you tailor courses to your interests, whether that’s law, diplomacy, media, or public service.
Take your learning beyond the classroom with study abroad or a semester in Washington, D.C. Plus, with only 15 credit hours, it easily fits into your four-year plan.
Gain a global perspective with this minor that explores world events, international relations, and cultural influences. Taught by expert faculty, including Fulbright Scholars, this program pairs well with political science, international business, foreign language, and more.
With just 18 credit hours, it’s an easy way to expand your career potential in an increasingly connected world.
Thinking about law school? This minor builds the analytical and communication skills you’ll need—without making you memorize laws. Instead, you’ll learn how to think critically about legal principles, solve problems, and navigate real-world legal challenges.
Whether you pursue law, graduate studies, or another professional field, these skills will set you apart.
Departmental Resources
United States Senate & Congress
Senator Durbin offers an internship program for students of all majors, undergraduate, graduate, and law students who are interested in experiencing the workings of a Senator’s office.
Congressman LaHood of the 18th congressional district has been very generous in offering excellent internship opportunities for our students and welcomes applications.
Interns are sought to work in Rep. Eric Sorensen’s offices in Washington, D.C., and across the 17th District. As you know, internships are a great opportunity for students to get hands-on experience and gain important work skills. Interns in the offices will assist with casework, research legislation and constituent correspondence, among other tasks. Our students have interned with Rep Sorensen and have benefited greatly.
Illinois General Assembly
- (D. 46th)
Intern responsibilities vary greatly and range from assisting with administrative and office duties to working with the press, legislative or constituent services staff. Specific tasks might include assisting with phones, researching an issue, drafting a letter, assisting with office operations (e.g., faxing, filing, copying, data entry or mailing), clipping newspapers or attending meeting or events. Interns are given specific areas of responsibility and as broad a range of experiences as possible; they are expected to assist with all office operations as needed. - (R. 37th)
- (D. 92nd)
State and Local Government Agencies
- This organization is always looking for college students to intern or serve as election judges. .
- Peoria County Juvenile Probation has a long history of accepting ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ student interns.
- The Peoria Juvenile Detention Center has long provided useful and meaningful internships for our students. .
The City of Peoria Police Department has a regular and formalized internship program. .
Tazewell County is a progressive county with regard to probation programming. It offers a regular internship program that has been of great benefit to our students.
Federal Government Agencies
- While exploring the FBI’s exciting career options, students will work side-by-side with FBI employees at one of the bureau’s offices across the country.
- The Pathways Internship program provides year-round paid work in a variety of federal agencies for current degree-seeking undergraduate, and graduate students. Interns may work during the summer, fall, spring or year-round and are eligible for non-competitive conversion upon program completion.
- The NSA’s “Intelligence Analysis Summer Program” and “Civil Liberties, Privacy and Transparency Summer Intern Program” provide excellent opportunities for undergraduates with interest in international relations to gain experience and improve their chances of pursuing an intelligence career after graduation.
- This paid student internship gives participants a coveted inside look at diplomacy in action, and the range of careers and responsibilities found in the Foreign Service and Civil Service. You’ll gain valuable work experience that you can apply to virtually every endeavor — whether you work in government or the private sector.
- You can experience diplomacy firsthand as a U.S. Foreign Service Intern and spend two consecutive summers in paid 10-week internships designed to expose undergraduate students to U.S. diplomacy and the work of the Department of State.
ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ offers support for those interested in  regardless of declared major/minor.
The Department of Political Science and International Studies has a number of funding programs to assist students. We award more than $30,000 on an average year, which is made possible by the generous gifts of alumni, friends, and faculty. (Individual monetary amounts vary by scholarship/award.)
View Scholarship opportunities
Baird Award for Service Learning
Awarded to students with an interest in international studies or international relations working on an experiential learning project (application required)
David Ulmer Award for Study Abroad
Travel assistance for PSI students engaging in a semester-long study abroad program (application required)
Eve Nyaradi Dvorak Award for Study Abroad
Travel assistance for International Studies students engaging in a short term (M-term or J-term) study abroad experience (application required)
Howard Award for Research in International Studies
Awarded to the outstanding senior thesis in I S 495
Nicholas Nyaradi Award
Awarded to International Studies students with outstanding achievements in scholarship, public service, and professional excellence
PSI Department Study Away Award
Travel assistance for PSI students completing studies away from ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ (application required)
Zaleski Family International Studies Travel Award
Awarded to International Studies students studying abroad (application required)