Central’s political science program is designed to prepare you for a wide variety of careers in government, politics, law, business, mass media and education. Course work emphasizes development of basic communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, critical thinking and information literacy. Our students learn about government structures and processes and how individuals and groups interact with government at the local, state and national levels, in other countries and with international organizations.
Our program emphasizes both course work and practical experience. Political science students learn how to do original research and undertake projects that allow them to apply their knowledge to questions and concerns of personal interest, through experiential and service-learning projects, career-focused internships in Washington, D.C., Des Moines and as part of their study abroad experiences.
Andrew Green, associate professor of political science, was elected president-elect of the Iowa Association of Political Scientists for the 2013-14 year.
Rep. Dave Loebsack of Iowa’s Second Congressional District visited Central College for a tour from students and a meeting with President Mark Putnam.
Junior Emily Rouse interned at British Parliament in London—an invaluable experience for her future career as a lawyer.
Bill Julian was a political science professor in the ’70s and ’80s, as well as associate academic dean. His time at Central is fondly remembered—everything from debating marijuana’s legalization to sleeping through a final exam.
For the November Meet the Pros event, alumni who work for the government returned to campus to meet with future professionals in their field—Central students.
We will work one-on-one with you to help you select and apply for an internship that will complement your courses and enhance your career prospects. You can choose from opportunities in Des Moines, Chicago, Washington, D.C., or as part of your study abroad experience at one of our program sites including London, Paris, Vienna, Granada and Merida. Past internship locations have included:
Over 98% of graduates are placed in jobs, attending graduate school, or involved in volunteer service within one year of graduation.
Learn more about internships at Central.
Central offers political science courses in the major sub-fields of the discipline, including: American government and politics, public policy, international politics, comparative politics, political theory and research methods. For course descriptions, please visit the political science Web site.
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
Get more details from the course catalog! (Note: this is a PDF file)
In fall 2009, Central College opened its doors to the new 57,748 gross square foot Roe Center, which cost more than $17 million. It features energy conservation and environmental responsibility. The three-story building provides new classroom, office and instructional space for the political science, education, communication and psychology departments, along with Central’s nationally recognized community-based learning department. Read more at http://www.central.edu/edPsych.
Central’s political science department maintains its own website with even more information about majoring in political science.
Political science students are active participants in a wide variety of campus activities and organizations, including:
A key to the outstanding career successes that our students have enjoyed is the high degree that they take advantage of our excellent study abroad opportunities. Many of our graduates have had life-changing, career-shaping internship experiences while studying on one or more of our eight international programs. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
