Political Science

Political Science

Apply Now Visit Campus
Professor, standing, interacts with students at a table.
When you major in political science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you’ll study with national experts in political psychology, the biology of political behavior, human rights and international conflict and security—professors who have advised presidents and written award-winning books. Through these experiences, you’ll expand your understanding of governments and policymaking while developing strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • College

  • Hours Required

    120 credit hours

  • Minors Available

    Political Science, National Security Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, Public Policy Analysis Certificate

  • Areas of Focus

    Biology, Psychology, and Politics, Government and Public Policy, Human Rights and Security, International Relations

The Nebraska Difference

Curiosity

Discover what moves you with a variety of academic disciplines.

new-document-check(content)

Flexibility and Choice

Customize your degree with course choices. Add a minor or second major.

greek-column(places)

Hands-On Experience

Build knowledge, skills and experience in and out of the classroom.

graduate(people)

Limitless Career Paths

Connect your major, interests and goals to any field.

Students meet with adviser at a curved desk.

Program Features

Focus and Range 

Dive deep into your political science major while taking a wide variety of courses across all areas in the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate academically well-rounded and eager to keep learning. Use your collaboration and communication skills to address complex problems and make a positive impact professionally and personally.  

1-to-1 Academic Advising and Career Coaching 

Along with your faculty, professional academic advisors and career coaches will help you make a one-of-a-kind degree plan. We are focused on your success, while at Nebraska and after graduation, whether your goal is employment or graduate/professional school. 

National Security Studies 

Political science is home to a unique minor in national security studies, where students engage in learning in and out of the classroom that makes them competitive for opportunities in the federal government within the intelligence community. 

Students listen attentively in a lecture hall.

Notable Courses

Genetics, Brains, and Politics (POLS 250)

Role of genes, neural activity and physiology in shaping human behavior, especially political behavior.

Causes of War and Peace (POLS 263)

Leading theories on war and peace, highlighting the causes and consequences of WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam and the Gulf War.

Political Persuasion and Advocacy Strategy (POLS 320)

Sources of political attitudes and preferences, and how to change them. Agenda-setting and recognizing opportunities for policy change.

Women and Politics (POLS 338)

Women as political actors. Participation in political life, barriers to participation, political attitudes and issues of particular concern to women of color.

International Human Rights (POLS 470)

Development of international norms on human rights and attempts to implement those standards. Emphasis on political process, with attention to law, philosophy, economics, and culture.

Public Issues in America (POLS 232)

Explore the critical issues facing the United States and how to constructively engage with them in an era of polarization and partisan conflict.

Explore the 4-Year Plan

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Intern, Great Plains National Security Education Consortium
  • Country assistance coordinator intern, United States Department of State
  • Community development intern, Nebraska Department of Economic Development
  • Policy intern at the Grand Canyon, Department of the Interior
  • School of Government internship, Sun Yat-Sen University

Careers

  • Campaign Organizer, Impact Organization/Environment New Mexico
  • Staff Assistant, United States Congress
  • Commissioned Officer, ROTC
  • Legal Counsel, Hudl
  • Policy Associate, Airbnb

Graduate Schools

  • Master’s degree in Public Affairs, Princeton University
  • Master’s degree, War Studies, King’s College London
  • Juris Doctor degree, Georgetown Law
  • Juris Doctor degree, University of Nebraska College of Law
  • Ph.D., Economic Analysis and Policy, Stanford University

Outside the Classroom

Depending on your major, interests and goals, you can choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader or serve your community. The university’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences; students in the College of Arts and Sciences typically complete at least two.

Students present at poster session at UNL Research Fair.

Research

Work alongside a faculty member as a research assistant or design your own research project through the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) program.

Student pauses outside of Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Internships

Explore a wide variety of local, national and international internships. Connect with our career coaches to identify opportunities and document the skills and experience you gain on the job.

Students posing with a Nebraska flag in front of a castle.

Education Abroad

Join other students in Poland to learn about national security or connect with our Global Experiences Office to find an affiliate program in almost any location you can imagine.

Students gather on the east steps of Memorial Stadium.

Leadership and Service

Get involved in one of the 540+ student organizations available at Nebraska. Meet students who share your interests, become a leader or serve the community.

Portrait of Sara Houston

Featured Faculty

Sara Houston, Assistant Professor of Practice

Houston joined the Political Science department after working for the city of Lincoln, state of Nebraska and as a litigator in the private sector. In her courses, you will learn how the legal system works in theory and in reality and have the chance to grapple with present-day issues. She teaches Civil Liberties; Courts, Judges, and Lawyers; Myths and Realities of the Justice System; Constitutional Law; and Healthcare Law. Previously, Houston was the Director of the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights and the Lead Public Health Attorney for the state. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Learn More About Our Faculty

science-lightbulb(school-science)

Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Our motto is Academics + Experience = Opportunities. Employers and graduate/professional schools are looking for students who have a strong academic background and hands-on experience.
  • Political science majors engage in research, Model UN or internships, and many study abroad or get involved in service or leadership on campus and beyond.
certificate-2(vote-rewards)

Career Preparedness

  • POLS 101: Academic and Career Planning for Political Science. Meet other students and learn about the academic and professional pathways available to political science majors.
  • CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Explore your interests, abilities and values while identifying career options and preparing to apply for internships, jobs or graduate/professional school.
network-people(business)

Community

  • Serve as a page in the Nebraska State Legislature for a first-hand view of the political process and valuable networking opportunities.
  • Join any number of political, policy and issue-oriented student organizations, or become a member of the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN).

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Political Science major or navigating the application process, contact us.

Portrait of Nicholas Gordon
Contact Name
Nicholas Gordon
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
Phone
Phone
402-472-4190
Email
Envelope
ngordon@unl.edu