Political Science
Bachelor of Arts
Fall
- CORE 100: First Year Seminar or THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- Second Language I ............ 3cr.
- ENGLISH 101: English Composition or ENGL 115: Rhetoric ............ 3cr.
- POLI 120: Comparative Govt and Politics or POLI 140: American Govt and Politics............ 3cr.
- MATHEMATICS 116: Elementary Statistics or MATH 156: General Statistics............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: GOA Co-curriculum Program I ............ 0cr.
Spring
- POLI 120: Comparative Govt and Politics or POLI 140: American Govt and Politics............ 3cr.
- PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy ............ 3cr.
- Second Language II ............ 3cr.
- CORE 100: First Year Seminar or THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- Scientific Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- CORE 102: GOA Co-curriculum Program II ............ 0cr.
Fall
- ECON 200: Microeconomic Principles ............ 3cr.
- POLI 277: International Relations ............ 3cr.
- Quantitative Elective ............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspectives ............ 3cr.
Spring
- ECON 201: Macroeconomic Principles ............ 3cr.
- POLI 301:Political Philosophy ............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- Writing Intensive Elective ............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspectives ............ 3cr.
Fall
- ENGL 205/ CLAS 205/ GERM 205/ SPAN 205: Literature and the Moral Imagination ............ 3cr.
- Political Science Elective 1............ 3cr.
- Political Science Elective 2 ............ 3cr.
- ER/S Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- Political Science Elective 3............ 3cr.
- Political Internship ............ 3cr.
- DCR Elective ............ 3cr.
- Natural Sciences/Lab Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Fall
- POLI 390: Sem: International Relations or POLI 391: Sem: American Government............ 3cr.
- Political Science Elective 4 ............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- Political Science Elective 6 ............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- Oral Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Exciting Career Opportunities
Campaign Fieldwork, City Planning, Community Relations, Consumer Research, Demography, Editorial Writing, Financial Planning, Foreign Service, Government Relations, Grant Writing, International Banking, Non-Governmental Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Law, Legislative Assistance, Political Systems Research, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Relations, Reporting, Statistical Research, Teaching
Professional Development
Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshop series on interviewing and resume writing techniques and maintaining an educational, vocational and employer information resource center.
Governing Cincinnati (POLI 241)
Examination of the politics and government of Cincinnati, including local campaign politics, policy decision-making and the influences of local media. Through engaging lectures, interactive activities and experiential learning opportunities, students will develop the analytical skills, critical thinking abilities and practical knowledge necessary to navigate and engage with the complexities of local politics effectively.
American Political Humor (POLI 250)
This course examines the role of political humor and satire in American politics and how political humor, comedy and satire shape public opinion and political outcomes. Students analyze historical and contemporary examples of humor, comedy and satire and the impact of these forms of political communication on politics and society. Students also discuss the limits of political humor as a vehicle for social and political change and critically evaluate arguments about political humor and free speech, civility and power in modern society.
International Relations (POLI 277)
This course covers various aspects of international relations, offering a exploration of key concepts and practices shaping global politics. Through an in-depth examination, students will explore the intricate theories underpinning international relations, including the dynamics of nationalism, imperialism, disarmament, arms control, diplomacy and collective security.
Political Philosophy (POLI 301)
This course provides a comprehensive analysis of fundamental issues in political philosophy. Students will engage in a detailed exploration of key concepts and theories, focusing particularly on the significance and critique of classic modernity.
College Democrats
Members of this club engage the Xavier community on political issues with a progressive, liberal perspective.
College Republicans
Members of this club educate members of the Xavier community about the values and principles of the Republican Party.
Mock Trial Team
The overall purpose of Xavier's Mock Trial Team is to develop legal and trial skills and to prepare prospective law students for law school and the legal world. Members will gain trial experience in a "mock" setting and also learn from a team of Cincinnati area attorneys and former Mock Trial participants who serve as coaches.
Political Science Club
Xavier's Political Science Club is a fun and open platform for students of all backgrounds, political beliefs and ideologies to come together and discuss current events and political "hot topics." This club is meant to provide a non-partisan space to promote growth and further interest in politics.
Women in Politics
Women in Politics is a bipartisan club that works to empower women to become involved in politics and seek careers in related fields. We aim to show women what opportunities are available, provide career development resources, facilitate discussions about obstacles for women in politics, and tackle today's biggest women's issues from both sides of the aisle.
Program Features
Gain real-world experience through internships and academic seminars in Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and the Ohio State Legislature, which will help you build a strong professional foundation and network.
Work closely with faculty on major research projects and present your findings at conferences. You can also contribute to the Xavier Journal of Politics, gaining valuable high-level research experience.
Xavier's study abroad programs offer political science majors firsthand experience in international politics. These programs are available in diverse locations like Paris, Costa Rica, Australia, and many other countries.
Our faculty bring their diverse expertise, from campaign strategy and international relations to constitutional law and public policy, directly into the classroom, providing you with real-world insights and mentorship.
Hear what Andrew loves most about Xavier, life in Cincinnati and the Political Science program.
Cincinnati offers a dynamic backdrop for studying political science, providing a real-world classroom with abundant opportunities in local government, advocacy and major political campaigns.
Political Science Program at Xavier University
Xavier’s political science program challenges students to pursue answers to the vital questions of equity, justice, and peace in the modern world. Our rigorous courses consider the best political and social science literature with a focus on gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary domestic and foreign controversies, including those of human rights, democracy, equality, race, poverty, social class and war.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."