Political Science

Program Overview.

Your political science degree from Morningside will leave you well prepared to address the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Gain a strong foundation for a career in law, government, business, or education, or prepare for graduate or law school. Morningside also provides unique opportunities to interact with high profile political candidates and officeholders while engaging in curriculum that emphasizes local, national, and international politics.

About Political Science at Morningside:

Enjoy the department’s strong relationships with public figures at every level of politics, within political organizations, and the U.S. Federal District Court in Sioux City that provide internships, service opportunities, and networking options.
Get a front row seat for observing and participating in the electoral process during the Iowa Caucus, as well as every year during elections.
Select from diverse course offerings that allow you to gain a broad view of politics and policy, locally and globally.
Benefit from an extremely successful internship program and outstanding placement rate for graduate and law schools.

Make It Your Own

You may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Morningside University. You may choose to focus on a minor to deepen a particular area of interest. It’s also possible to add more than one major or minor. Click on the names of the majors and minors below to see the coursework required for each.

Majors

Political Science (B.A.)

Minors

Meet The Faculty

Valerie Hennings

Lillian Lopez

Patrick McKinlay

Experience
Learning By Doing

Morningside University has made a commitment to extend education beyond the confines of the classroom by providing a variety of experiential learning opportunities to students.

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INTERNSHIPS

Our internship program is extremely successful with more internship openings than we are able to place. Students have taken positions with congressional offices, within federal government, working on political campaigns, at non-profits, national advocacy organizations, and much more.

Experiential Learning

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Colonel Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement
Mock Trial Team
Morningside Civic Union

TRAVEL

You will have the opportunity to travel regionally, nationally, and even internationally for professional conferences, industry field trips, or May Term courses. Travel grants and special scholarship eligibility may be available.

RESEARCH AND ACTIVE LEARNING

You are encouraged to pursue independent study and research projects. Past research has included campaigns and social media, international political economy, Congress and the presidency, human rights and women’s rights, and much more. You may also have the opportunity to present findings at the Morningside University Palmer Research Symposium, the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), or at regional and national professional conferences.

NETWORK

Students studying Political Science frequently interact with professionals working within and alongside government agencies developing relationships and building skills. Opportunities include:

Forums featuring political candidates and officeholders
Club meetings and college-wide seminars
Internships
Travel to conferences
Study abroad

Learn By Doing

Alumni have been extremely successful in launching political science careers, going on to fields such as political consulting, education, government, journalism, business, international affairs, and more. Many students have also been accepted into graduate and law schools, a small sample of which include American University School of International Service, Carnegie Mellon University, Chapman University, Creighton University School of Law, Drake University Law School, the Hertie School in Berlin, St. Louis University, the University of Nebraska, the University of Michigan Law School, and University of Iowa School of Law.

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13:1

student:faculty ratio, so you're assured a quality education focused directly on you.

65+

majors & pre-professional
programs available.

Job Outlook

Political scientists are needed in a wide variety of fields, including in places such as Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, and throughout the Midwest. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for political scientists was $122,220 in May 2019.

Possible Job Titles

Law Clerk
Writer
Social media strategist
Political strategist
Congressional staff member
Attorney
Teacher

Learn how students are set up for success

Meet A Mustang

Kailyn Robert '20

Political Science, Philosophy, and International Affairs
Osage City, KS

Why Morningside

"From faculty to other students and even administration, I've made so many meaningful connections that make Morningside truly special."

All Undergraduates
Receive Financial Aid

100% of Morningside undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.

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Simple Application
Process

Apply for Morningside’s undergrad programs.

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Helpful Counselors Are Here

Morningside’s counselors are here to assist you with any academic or career needs.

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