Why Political Science: Exploring Power and Policy at UMN

From elections and public policy to global conflict and social movements, politics shapes nearly every part of our daily lives. At its core, political science is the study of power, including who holds it, how it’s used, and the ways it influences individuals and societies. For students who want to better understand these dynamics, a degree in political science offers a great place to start, providing insight into how power operates and impacts the world around us. 

“I think the discipline of political science is really important,” says political science alumna Monica Delgado (BA ‘18), “because it's in our everyday lives, from pollsters trying to predict the results of an election all the way down to what our city council is doing.” 

What is Political Science at UMN?

At the University of Minnesota, political science is one of CLA’s most popular majors, combining the study of power, policy, and global systems with opportunities to apply that knowledge in real-world settings. 

Students explore a range of topics, from American politics and public policy to international relations and political theory. Whether you’re drawn to elections, law, or global conflict, you can shape your studies around the issues you care about most.

Beyond the Classroom

Learning experiences in political science go beyond lectures and readings. Students engage in internships, collaborate on research projects, and join student organizations where they build real-world skills and explore career paths from the start.

“We offer a variety of opportunities for students to get involved, including internships for credit, undergraduate research programs, and awards that support research and conference travel,” said Josie Kahlenbeck, coordinator of undergraduate advising.

One way students gain real-world experience is through POL 3080: Internship in Politics or Government, where they step into professional roles, contribute to meaningful work, and earn academic credit while pursuing their interests. For those drawn to research, programs like the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (DURP) connect students with faculty mentors and immerse them in ongoing projects.

Students can also get involved in the Undergraduate Political Science Association (UPSA) or participate in student government, where they connect with peers, faculty, and campus leaders while building leadership experience. Through these roles, they expand their networks and develop skills that are valuable for future careers in politics, policy, and beyond.

Beyond academics and organizations, the department hosts events that help students explore careers and connect with employers in the field. The Politics in Practice speaker series introduces students to professionals working in politics and policy.

“We also bring in speakers for events and host a Political Science Career and Internship Fair where students can hear from organizations and connect with employers,” said Kahlenbeck. “Events like Cake, Candy, and Conversation also give students a chance to meet others in the major and get involved.”

These experiences help students build practical skills, and give them a clearer sense of how their academic interests connect to real impact, whether that’s influencing policy decisions, engaging with communities, or contributing to positive change in society.

Why Choose Political Science?

For students who may not have a single career path in mind, political science offers flexibility and direction. It opens doors across fields while helping students understand the systems that shape everyday life. Some career paths include:

• Law and justice: attorney, paralegal, or legal analyst
• Business: public affairs consultant, risk analyst, lobbyist, market research analyst
• Media: journalist, press secretary, communications director
• Government: policy advisor, foreign service, city manager, public information officer, government relations/public affairs
• Nonprofit: human rights officer, advocacy director, field manager
• Technology: political data scientist, cybersecurity policy analyst

Political science courses help students develop career-ready skills, including analytical and critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and written and oral communication. Students also learn to engage with diverse perspectives and practice active citizenship. “In my experience studying political science,” says Delgado, “it was so important to be in a classroom with people who didn’t necessarily agree with you, but who were still respectful and willing to explain where they were coming from. Now more than ever, that ability to sit with discomfort, respond respectfully, and truly try to hear each other is essential.” Whether the goal is to influence policy, work in public service, or pursue law, this major provides the tools to get there.

This story was written by Bayleigh Bergner, an undergraduate student in CLA.