A political science degree, by its nature, leaves students with the best possible education on how to be a citizen of the world. Students learn not only about government and politics in the U.S. and abroad, they also learn critical thinking and reasoning skills that are helpful in almost any career field they choose. Students also learn how to conduct research, analyze trends and events, and write effectively; skills that are highly valued in many careers.
Political science at UNL offers courses in American politics, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, and political theory. Its two major strengths are in 1) biology, psychology, and politics--understanding the biological and psychological factors that affect people's political attitudes and behavior and 2) human rights and conflict--understanding how human rights and human security are affected by all of the factors that surround conflict and post-conflict situations.
With very few exceptions, students can do whatever they want with a degree in political science. A political science major provides a solid foundation for a well-rounded liberal arts education, which prepares students for a variety of jobs and post-baccalaureate education. Our majors pursue careers in a wide array of fields, including working in business, government, non-profits, and non-governmental organizations. Political science is the most popular major for pre-law students.
Political science at UNL boasts an extraordinary faculty who has won awards and accolades for both their teaching and their research and an extraordinary group of students who have won highly prestigious awards, including Truman and Boren scholarship as well as Fulbright Scholarships to study around the world. Our faculty is involved in cutting-edge research and has gained national and international recognition for their work in the areas of biology and politics and human rights and conflict. Many undergraduate students work with faculty on research through UNL's UCARE program. Our class sizes are much smaller than is the norm in Research I universities, and most courses are taught by full-time faculty members, enabling students to get to know their professors, and professors to get to know their students.
