The Political Science program at Lewis University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Contemporary Global Studies/International Relations, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration.
The mission of the Political Science major is to offer an education that emphasizes scholarship, the pursuit of knowledge, and the development of a critical understanding of government and politics at all levels: internationally, nationally and locally. The department's goal is to produce graduates who have the intellectual, critical and analytical skills that are necessary to understand how political systems function, how to affect politics through participation, and how to make rational choices when choosing candidates and assessing public policies.
The mission of the Contemporary Global Studies major is to help students gain a theoretical foundation of International Relations as well as an understanding of various countries' political systems, ideologies and policies. While studying International Relations, students learn about the role of governments in the global political economy and about the political and economic relationships among countries. They will learn new skills to identify, analyze, and use information necessary to evaluate various political, social and economic issues, thus preparing them for future decision making.
The mission of the Public Administration major is to prepare students for active service and employment in national, state and local agencies in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. Through internships, students obtain real-life experiences in government. They are paired with professionals who prosecute cases, defend clients in court, shape environmental regulations, and manage money, people and things. By participating in the drafting of bills or lobbying for the rights of children, students soon become aware that working in politics or public administration is a rewarding career.
Students receive internship placements with public policy professionals at work in the community. These professionals are attorneys, public defenders, policy-makers and managers. Aiding current professionals in their work gives students powerful insight into the world of public policy, helping them define career goals for themselves.
For information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, visit Lewis' Financial Aid Services page.
Dr. Laurette Liesen, Chair
Department of Political Science
Lewis Universisty
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446
Phone: 815-836-5681
Email: Liesenla@lewisu.edu