On Campus
Political Science Major (Bachelor of Arts)
As a political science major, you’ll pursue a deep understanding of how humans organize their societies and make collective choices for the whole. Getting a political science degree from Creighton gives you valuable skills that you can apply across a variety of careers—from law to business, public administration, education and the military, just to name a few.
Political science majors at Creighton may specialize in political science, legal studies, public policy or research design and analysis. Creighton also offers political science minors in legal studies, political science and public policy.
Our graduates are well prepared to enter an expanding job market or apply to graduate or professional programs.
Program Details
Program Goals
A political science degree from Creighton University provides you with the skills, knowledge and perspective for success in a number of different careers.
As a political science major, you’ll:
- Explore the inner-workings of American politics, comparative politics and public policy
- Develop critical and analytical thinking
- Master political science methodology
- Understand approaches to community decision-making at the local, national and international levels
Curriculum
As a political science major, you’ll enroll in a range of courses to develop a broad understanding of the questions, concepts and methods of political science. See the full curriculum and requirements for the:
Specializations
Our political science major allows you to go deeper into your area of interest through the following specialization tracks:
Political Science Track
- Introduces you to political science methodology and community decision-making. This specialization is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in business, journalism, medicine or law.
Legal Studies Track
- Provides you with an understanding of law as a component of government and social life, as well as an examination of legal institutions. This track is excellent preparation for students who plan to attend law school or for those who wish to pursue careers in court administration, law enforcement or public policy.
Public Policy Track
- Provides you with a strong grounding in political science, with an emphasis on the processes and problems of policy-making. This track focuses on the origins, administration and impact of public programs in response to policy problems. Students on this track are encouraged to find internships in this field.
Research Design and Analysis Track
- Prepares you to meet the demand for hard analytical skills in business, government and the nonprofit sector.
Minor in Political Science
Creighton also offers the following political science minors:
Legal Studies
- Explore the role of the law in society by examining legal history and philosophy, as well as legal institutions at all levels of government. This is excellent preparation for students seeking careers in law, court administration, law enforcement and dispute resolution.
Political Science
- Develop a deeper understanding of political science methodology and community decision-making. This minor is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in business, journalism, medicine or law.
Public Policy
- Examine how humans organize society and make collective choices. Students with a public policy minor examine the policy process, substantive policy areas and the application of policy analysis tools and advocacy strategies in the contemporary political system.
Admissions Requirements
Creighton admissions are based upon:
- High school GPA
- ACT or SAT scores*
- Extracurricular activities
- Personal statement to demonstrate creative abilities not reflected in your transcripts
- Recommendation from high school counselor
- Honors sections and advanced placement courses will enhance a candidate’s application
*For students who are choosing to apply test-optional, ACT/SAT exam scores are not required at the time of application for admission.
Dates & Deadlines
Applications for the fall semester open on Aug. 1 of the prior year. For scholarship consideration, the earlier you complete your undergraduate application, the better. For up-to-date deadlines, visit our admissions page.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition rates are updated each year. Visit our financial aid site to learn more about the cost of attendance.
Financial Aid
Creighton University's Financial Aid Office administers over $200,000,000 in student aid each year from federal, state, institutional and private sources.
To help make your undergraduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. There is a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities available for Creighton data science students aimed at making your degree attainable. Explore scholarships.
“The department’s emphasis on research equipped me with the invaluable tools of scientific writing, data analysis and data management. Student comradery and engaged faculty fostered a supportive community; the strong women faculty members are inspiring.”
— Sarah Arpin, Political Science major and Environmental Policy minor, Class of 2007
“Creighton’s program stands out for teaching students practical skills for the modern world. Students learn to think critically about politics, analyze data and conduct original research. This major gave me a head start in a PhD program and a career in social science.”
— Eric Hansen, PhD, Creighton Political Science graduate
“Using data to understand the political world is a special part of the program at Creighton. Our students excel using this approach and are consistently recognized for their efforts by winning best paper awards in regional and national contests.”
— Rick Witmer, PhD, Rev. John P. Schlegel, SJ, Distinguished Professor of Government and Politics
Pi Sigma Alpha: Political Science & International Relations
- Creighton has an active chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Pi Sigma Alpha members organize student-faculty events and host outside speakers on campus. It was established in 1977 and is popular with international relations majors. Since 2000, seven Creighton students have been awarded “Best Paper” or “Best Thesis Paper” by Pi Sigma Alpha’s national office.
Model United Nations
- Creighton’s Model United Nations team participates in several Model UN conferences throughout the year. Students have traveled to conferences in Boston, Montreal, Chicago, Turkey, Germany, Egypt, Japan, Korea, Brazil and Singapore.
Capitol Hill Internship Program
- Creighton’s Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP) gives political science students the opportunity to spend a semester living and working in Washington, D.C. Creighton shares a Capitol Hill townhouse where students live while pursuing their internship. Students work four days a week (32 hours) and attend classes one day per week. Weekends are available to experience Washington, D.C. The CHIP house is a short walk from Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, House and Senate office buildings, Union Station (and its Metro station), the Capitol Mall and many shops, restaurants, museums and galleries.
Omaha and Nebraska Internships
- The political science department actively places students in internships with city, state and local government, as well as with local interest groups and nonprofits. During election years, many of our students intern with local campaigns for political office.
Unicameral Page Internships
- For more information on becoming a page for the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature, contact the Clerk of the Legislature.
Creighton political science majors present their research at professional conferences. Every spring, students attend the Midwest Political Science Association meeting in Chicago. Faculty members also involve students in their research, and a variety of published articles have been collaborations between faculty-mentors and undergraduate students.
Career Options
Creighton’s political science program prepares you to pursue a variety of careers in different fields, including:
- Law
- Business
- Public administration
- Journalism or public relations
- Community service agencies
- Public affairs
- Education
- Military or intelligence and anti-terrorism
- Political campaign management or public office
