Do you aspire to run for political office, direct a nonprofit, or attend law school? If so, then Ball State’s Department of Political Science is your launching pad for educational and career success.

Our bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and minors cover such topics as public policy, international studies, legal studies, and American political institutions—all taught by faculty who are involved in research and the community as well as devoted to the classroom. After graduation, you will be prepared to work in a number of fields in government as well as in non-government positions.

Bachelor's
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Political Science Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

If you are fascinated by the world of politics, government, and lawmaking, then Ball State’s major in political science is right for you. Learn more.

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Social Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Ball State’s teaching major in social studies will prepare you to become an excellent social sciences teacher at the high-school level. Learn more.

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Legal Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Earning a bachelor’s degree in legal studies at Ball State prepares you for a career as a paralegal or lays the foundation for law school. Learn more.

 Learn about a Degree in Data Analytics

Data Analytics is an emerging interdisciplinary field with three concentration areas in Computational Data, Environmental Systems, and Social and Behavioral. Find out more about a degree in Data Analytics.

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Political Science

Choose our minor in political science and you will graduate with a solid understanding of how government and political systems work. Learn more.

 


European Studies

Ball State’s minor in European history is an exciting way to explore Europe’s past and present while adding value to your major. Learn more.

Public and Non-Profit Administration

Public and Non-Profit Administration

The public and non-profit administration minor prepares students for leadership careers in domestic and international government agencies and non-profit organizations. Learn more.

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Master of Public Administration

Manage a government agency or nonprofit organization. The program has three options for customization: criminal justice concentration, information and communication technology concentration, or design a customized course of study. Learn more.

If you work in local government or if you are a graduate student pursuing a public service-related degree, Ball State University has a graduate certificate that should be on your radar: a certificate in public administration.

This 12-credit program provides you with an understanding of public policy and the principles of management and administration in the public sector. With the public administration certificate, you will be on your way to fulfilling managerial and supervisory responsibilities in a public agency or nonprofit organization.

Courses are offered on our main campus in Muncie, Indiana as well as an online summer course. You can earn the certificate in two years or less by attending class no more than one evening per week.

Academic Advisor

Steven Hall, PhD
Department of Political Science

Computer Recommendations

Students entering the Department of Political Science will need to possess a personal computer. The College of Sciences and Humanities provides recommendations for the specifications student need to excel in their course work.

See Our Recommendations (PDF)