BA in Political Science in Chicago United States | University of Chicago

Since its founding, UChicago's Political Science Department has maintained a premier program, featuring faculty renowned for their expertise—from pioneering research on race relations to groundbreaking work on John Locke's philosophy, along with specialists in constitutional theory and the interplay of language, religion, and politics. Students gain hands-on experience through internships at prestigious institutions like the Chicago Mayor's Office, the Brookings Institution, the Washington Peace Center, and the National Women's Political Caucus. The curriculum requires coursework in three of four key subfields: political theory, American government, comparative politics, and international relations. Advanced students also participate in a structured research and writing program to develop their BA thesis. By exploring political concepts, analytical methods, and global perspectives, the program fosters critical thinking essential for a liberal arts education. A Political Science BA opens doors to diverse career paths, including business, government, journalism, and nonprofit work, or serves as a foundation for graduate studies in law, public policy, or academia. These opportunities reflect the varied paths our alumni have pursued in recent years.