Welcome to Political Science at SIUE!
Political scientists study who gets what, when, where, why, and how. The answers to these questions have profound implications for our daily lives.
Political science students learn how laws, policies, and government types influence the challenges of a changing world. Through their coursework, students learn to think critically, analyze data and test hypotheses, communicate meaningfully across differences, and lead change.
The Political Science department at SIUE has outstanding faculty who make an outsized impact in the field and in the classroom. Our faculty conduct timely research on pressing national and international issues. We have published extensively and presented research findings to multiple federal and state agencies as well as to community organizations from the local to international level.
Our faculty thrive on working closely with students. In the classroom, we introduce students to cutting edge research and draw from practical experience in the fields of politics and law. In classes we do more than lecture – we involve students in a variety of high impact practices including case studies, simulations, and team-based problem solving where students work in small learning communities to apply knowledge to real world issues and problems.
Every undergraduate student works closely with a faculty mentor on a major research project before they graduate. Students also have the opportunity to gain political or legal experience through internships in public service, law, or political campaigns. Students looking to get involved outside of class can also join one of several student organizations we sponsor.
From Southern Illinois and Springfield to Washington, DC, across the country, and around the world, you’ll find SIUE political science alumni at work making a difference. We love hearing what they’re up to and are thankful for their generous support in funding scholarships and providing internship opportunities to current students.
Whether you’re a prospective or current student, a curious community member, or one of our many alumni, thanks for stopping by!
Laurie Rice, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Department of Political Science
Disclaimer: The Department of Political Science and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville do not endorse candidates or political parties, nor take positions on ballot measures in accordance with the Illinois State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430). The photo of the JB Pritzker on this webpage was taken to document his visit to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on July 30, 2019. This was his first visit to campus as Governor in which he signed a bill that allows for equal representation by students from both campuses of the SIU system on the Board of Trustees. This is not an endorsement of any candidate, campaign, political party, or ballot measure.
