Major in Political Science

It's a great time to study political science! Take interesting classes from award-winning faculty with students who care about the challenges that face your community and our world. Use the skills you learn from political science in a range of careers including those in law, politics, government, business, and advocacy.

Want to declare a major in Political Science?

Get a "Declaring a Political Science Major" form from any political science professor or the second floor of Old Main. [or click_here to download the form]
Fill it out, indicate your preference for an adviser, and return it to the department chair (Dr. Kate Knutson)
The department chair will email you and let you know who will serve as your advisor

What can I do with a major in Political Science?

Many of our graduating seniors plan to attend law school. The Gustavus Pre-Law Program is not a major, but faculty advise students on appropriate courses and preparation for the LSAT and the law school application process. Our students have been accepted by the most prestigious national law schools (including Harvard, Yale, Chicago, Stanford, and Georgetown), all three Minnesota law schools, plus several other prominent schools around the nation.
Two or three students each year pursue graduate work in Political Science or Public Policy, leading to an MA or a Ph.D. In the last ten years our students have received full scholarships and stipends to complete Ph.D.s at schools such as Harvard, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Columbia, Wisconsin, Florida, Arizona State, Washington, and Washington University in St. Louis. Some majors pursue graduate study in other fields such as Public Policy, Economics, and History.
Other graduates go directly into politics, often working for elected officials before choosing further study. Several Gustavus graduates currently serve in the Minnesota State Legislature or work in Minnesota legislative politics, while others work on the staff of US Senators or Representatives, or in other branches of the federal government.
Another set of students chooses public service for their post-graduate careers. Political Science majors regularly serve with the Peace Corps, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, or other national service programs. Several graduates work for the U.S. Foreign Service. And many combine political science with elementary or secondary education, intending to become teachers.
Finally, many of our graduates chose political science as a major because they liked the courses and the faculty, but go on to non-political careers in the business world.

Political Science Community

Polstitutional Olympics 2013

Friday Forums: Monthly gatherings for political science students and faculty around different topics of interest.

Political Science Research Symposium and Student Recognition Ceremony: Students enrolled in senior seminars present thesis research in poster form on Honors Day (spring)

Political Science Awards and Honors

Ronald S. and Rolf S. Christenson Scholarship: Established in 2000 by Kathryn Kidd Christenson, whose involvement with the College includes service as an associate in development and public affairs and as an instructor in English, women's studies, and political science, in memory of her husband, Ronald, founder of the College's political science department, and their son, Rolf. The scholarship, which incorporates a previously established endowment fund supporting an award for writing excellence by political science students, is to be awarded annually to a "junior political science major judged exemplary in the excellence, depth, and imagination of his or her academic performance in political science and who has a demonstrated interest in public service.” Christenson Scholarship Winners

2022: Delaney Bluhm
2021: Christopher Ortiz
2020: Ellie Anderson
2019: Amelia Epinosa
2018: Sarah Knutson
2017: Jacob Skold
2016: Nusla Mohamed
2015: Grace Mundt and Paget Pengelly
2014: Christina Sand
2013: Taylor Logeais and Kelly Dumais
2012: Eric Halvorson
2011: Karin Lund
2010: Hasanga Samaraweera
2009: Mara Berdahl
2008: Erica Koos
2007: Alex Knewtson
2006: Erin Bettendorf
2005: Lindsey Reimnitz

Political Science Academic Assistants: Department faculty select two outstanding political science majors to serve as Department Assistants each academic year

2022-2023: Sophia Artley and David Eide
2021-2022: Maria Flores Marquez and Shea Archambault
2020-2021: Reine Ndayisaba and Paige Patterson
2019-2020: Emma Jones and Patrick Meadows
2018-2019: Daniella Habib and Kayla Mortenson
2012-2013: Eric Halvorson and Kate Redden
2011-2012: Karin Lund and Colleen Peterson
2010-2011: Allie Stehlin and Rachel Schmitt
2009-2010: Lynn Hillen and Dan Couillard
2008-2009: Erica Koos and Nick Stramp
2007-2008: Jack Underwood and Sarah Bernhardson

Political Science Writing Awards: Awards are given to two papers each year written in political science courses

2021-2022: Emma Nelson and Shae Archambault
2020-2021: Nathan Baring and Ben Menke
2019-2020: Onnie Brodkorb and Nathan Baring
2017-2018: Taylor Wicklund and Nicole Willis
2012-2013: Renate Willer and Ben Halvorson
2011-2012: Karin Lund and Ethan Marxhausen
2010-2011: Jamie Olsen and Brett Nelson
2009-2010: Ryan Lee and Mary Cooley
2008-2009: Jennifer Push and Amanda Capelle
2007-2008: Benjamin Birks and Nicholas Stramp

Political Science Major with Honors Eric Halvorson

2022: Ben Menke, Grace Worwa
2020: Emma Jones
2019: Ha Huynh
2018: Kelsey, Backer, George Roderick, Oakley Clark
2015: Christina Sand
2016: Grace Mundt, Nate Long
2013: Eric Halvorson
2012: Karin Lund
2011: Jackie Schwerm, Courtney West

Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society: Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science honor society. Founded in 1920, the Pi Gamma Chapter at Gustavus has been active since 1986. One of the primary purposes of the society is to “stimulate scholarship and intelligent interest in political science.” Membership in Pi Sigma Alpha is open to junior and senior students who have completed a minimum of three political science courses, earned grades no lower than a B average in those political science courses, and whose overall GPA places them in the top one-third of their class. Interested students may apply in the fall or spring of their junior or senior year. Contact advisors Kate Knutson for more information