Prospective Students

Each of us is affected by political decisions and most of us will play public political roles during our lives. For this reason, politics has always been studied in one way or another as part of a liberal arts education. We suggest a major in political science for persons especially interested in the "hows" and "whys" or politics, or for those who plan a career touching upon public affairs in areas such as law, journalism, business, public administration, political management, or community service.

The international relations major is the major of choice for those interested in global or regional politics or politics of other countries. It is best suited for a career in Foreign Service, foreign policy think-tanks, journalism, international business, international law, the military, or the intelligence community.

Students in the department learn about politics at several levels.

• Coursework in examine the institutions and processes used in the United States to select leaders and make public policy. Creighton offers a general course in American politics and a wide variety of specialized courses on areas such as political parties, the Congress, the court system, and others.
• Coursework in focuses on what governments choose to do, how they go about it, and what results.
• Comparative politics courses examine the similarities and differences in politics as it takes place in other areas, nations or societies, such as China, Western Europe, the Third World, Latin America or Russia and the dynamics of phenomena that cross-cut multiple countries such as development, democracy, ethnic conflict, nationalism and the like.
• The study of analyzes the interactions among nations. Issues discussed are diplomacy, international law, national security, and international organizations and global problems that cut across national boundaries.
• Studies to consider the fundamental criteria for evaluating political life and critically examine the arguments offered by many of history?s most important thinkers.

Creighton's curriculum in political science and international relations is designed to help students broaden and deepen their understanding of the political world. Faculty members assist and instruct students on how to sharpen their thoughts, to ask better questions, and to improve their skill in researching and finding answers to their questions.

Political Science and International Relations students develop their abilities in both written and oral communication, and acquire a solid background in the research process (including an introduction to the use of computers in social science research). Excellent opportunities exist for students to apply and integrate what they have learned in internship settings.

• Develop high-level analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills necessary for a rapidly changing world and gain the ability to manage and interpret information.
• Conduct research along-side faculty, participate in internships and engage in compelling dialogue through the Model UN and student government.
• Research, Design and Analysis track prepares students to excel in an emergent data science industry. Students have studied human trafficking in an effort to assist the FBI while others have focused on consumer research or STRATCOM internships.