Department of Politics and Government

Political Science

Students in Political Science at Illinois State University have some of the greatest opportunities for learning and growth, both as individuals and within the field as a whole. The Department of Politics and Government provides a variety of resources for its minors, an assortment of different student organizations, small class sizes, and full-time faculty teaching all levels of coursework.

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Legal Studies

Illinois State University has been providing quality paralegal education since 1975. The program has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), placing it among the most prestigious paralegal training programs in the State of Illinois. Our Legal Studies Program provides courses designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment as a paralegal.

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Graduate Program

The Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State offers a master's degree in Political Science in order to promote human knowledge and skills in the areas of scholarship, teaching, and service in and about the political dimensions of social life. This plan serves several types of students with a multi-track program. We offer courses and program options both to students who are planning to pursue further graduate education and to students who, for reasons of career enhancement or of specialized training for employment, are seeking a master's degree as their ultimate goal.

Discover Your Opportunities

The future is in your hands.

Connect with people and opportunities that help you grow as a person and professional.

Civic Engagement

In conjunction with the American Democracy Project, we sponsor an annual student civic engagement trip to Washington, D.C.

Model UN

Illinois State’s Model United Nations team recognized as an Outstanding Delegation at the annual National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in 2024.

Get Financial Support

We offer scholarships to help you achieve your goals.

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News and Events

See what's happening on the Department of Politics and Government.

Department of Politics and Government faculty participates in Peace Corps panel

Professor Michael Hendricks, Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) graduate student Matthew Stinson, and ACED alum Dan Myers participated in a panel discussion at Normal Theater on November 11, 2024, regarding their experiences serving in the Peace Corps.