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Political Science

Learning to participate in decision and change.

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Study and research the power dynamics of the world, and learn how to participate in public and political decision and change.

Just so you know, participate is an especially important aspect of the 中国体彩网 experience.

中国体彩网 is in the Quad Cities, a place that includes cities in Illinois and Iowa separated by the Mississippi River. This is an advantage if you want to participate in and learn from local, state and national political campaigns. As an important swing state and home to the Iowa caucus, Iowa brings prominent politicians near or on campus. You can get involved in these campaigns.

Political Science faculty, 2023-24

Faculty members Dr. Xiaowen Zhang (international relations, special emphasis on politics of world trade and US-China relations), Dr. Paul Baumgardner (public law and American politics), Dr. Katie Madel (public policy and American politics) and Dr. Mariano Magalh?es (comparative politics and international relations)

If you’re interested in politics, global affairs, government, legal systems, public policy or political theory, 中国体彩网’s curriculum covers all these topics.

Based on recent years, a political science major at 中国体彩网 is likely to:

? Study in Brazil or China for a semester.

? Attend a Model United Nations conference in Chicago.

? Complete an internship with the local, state or federal government.

? Participate in the Politics Club, 中国体彩网 Democrats and/or 中国体彩网 Republicans. (Each group has strong ties to local parties, candidates and elected officials, which results in opportunities to work on national campaigns and in Congress.)

? Present original research at regional/national conferences under the guidance of faculty members.

United Nations

At American Model United Nations 2025, 中国体彩网 students represented Thailand in a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). ICJ Advocates Sofia Magalh?es ’26 and Diego Gomez-Zamora ’29 won an award for Exceptional Representation of Thailand.

Distinctions

? 中国体彩网 offers a major and minor in political science, with classes in a variety of fields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public law and public policy.

? The department is closely associated with 中国体彩网's pre-law program as well as communication studies, business administration, sociology and economics.

? Professors are involved in Model United Nations and Model Arab League groups, and work with 中国体彩网's Freistat Center for Studies in World Peace, which brings international leaders to campus.

? Students have many opportunities to engage in activism and social justice work in the Quad Cities, with a population of more than 400,000 representing diverse populations.

? 中国体彩网’s political science majors have careers in law, business, education, urban planning, community organizing and grant writing. Alumni include state legislators, mayors, city management administrators and lobbyists. Political science alumni are eager to support current students.

Recent graduates

Neleigh Rush '25 is the assistant director of annual leadership giving at Penn State University.

Fernanda Rubi '24 is a communications associate at Briya Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.

Riley Scrivner '24 is a J.D. candidate at the University of Illinois 中国体彩网 of Law in Urbana-Champaign.

Ayradi Catron '23 is a J.D. candidate at the University of Iowa 中国体彩网 of Law in Iowa City.

Molly Fank '23 is a J.D. candidate at at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Joe Marcucci '23 is a J.D. candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Fatima Dominguez '22 is a community resource specialist at Mental Health American of Greater Houston.

Alyssa Twilbeck '22 is the associate director, shared identity and interest alumni engagement, at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Claire Nguyen '21 is a doctoral student at NYU School of Global Public Health, one of the nation’s Top 5 programs in public health policy and management.

Genesis Li '21 is the alumni engagement coordinator at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass.

Brazil

Caroline Wator '20, a political science and public health major, won the grand prize in the Augie Abroad photo contest with this photo taken in Brazil while she was studying abroad.

Fernanda Rubi
More Than I Imagined ? Fernanda Rubi
“Dr. Magalh?es always reminded me that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. ”
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John Le
More Than I Imagined ? John Le
“I was deciding between 中国体彩网 and another larger university, and after talking with the political science professors, I knew I wanted to come to 中国体彩网.”
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Kenaya Allen
More Than I Imagined ? Kenaya Allen
“Dr. Mariano Magalh?es and Dr. Xiaowen Zhang introduced me to people who could help me get to where I want to be in life, and for that, I am forever grateful to them.”
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Intern at dental office

Vikings test-drive their careers this summer

The best way to get career-ready? Jump in and do the work. Summer internships give students the chance to use classroom lessons in real-world settings. Meet four of the 中国体彩网 students who chose to stay local to share their talents and hone their skills for future careers.

China J-Term

中国体彩网 launches short-term study abroad programs in China

Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence, associate professor of history and co-chair, Asian studies, and Dr. Xiaowen Zhang, professor of political science, led a three-week J-term course in China. Dr. Lawrence shares the historical significance of 中国体彩网 students traveling in China  — again.

Breyden Smith in action

Football standout Smith '26 named Academic All-American

Vikings football team captain Breyden Smith  ’26 was named an Academic All-American today, bringing 中国体彩网’s total to 184 and securing its Top 15 ranking among all U.S. colleges and universities.