Explore Political Science at Aquinas 

Political Science Degree at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MichiganStudents in the Political Science Department learn to critically examine power, participation, and authority as they influence political structures and issues such as gender, US elections, international conflict, human rights and the environment. We engage with the pressing issues of the day and prepare students to help build a more just and democratic society.

Political science students are able to practice professional skills through Model United Nations and Moot Court, to attend and present at the Michigan Political Science Conference, and to hear from world leaders and experts at the Grand Rapids World Affairs Council speaker series. Alumni who work in government, law, for-profit and non-profit agencies, and education are eager to offer their support and expertise to current students.

 

It's Time to Elect Your Future

Career Preparation based on leadership

Many countries flags lining a walkway

Model United Nations

Aquinas College has a long and successful history of participation in Model United Nations Conferences (MUN). It has been our philosophy to create opportunities for the highest level of participation in, and analysis of, the United Nations for Aquinas College students.

Students gathered around a table talking

Pi Sigma Alpha

Psi Upsilon is the Aquinas College Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. Pi Sigma Alpha was founded in 1920 for the purpose of bringing together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics. Psi Upsilon was chartered in May, 2000.

Students talking at a table

Polis Political Studies Club

POLIS is the non-partisan Politics Studies Club at AQ. Students have opportunities to engage in scholastic and fun activities such as Model United Nations , Model Arab League, sponsor speakers from across the political spectrum and watch cool movies.

Building in Argentina

Study Away

Explore Political Science outside of the United States with our Study Away Program. See what trips abroad will be offered this year and how travelling can fit into your studies.

 

waving American flag

Student Research

 

Check out the current and past research that Aquinas students do with faculty to further the world's knowledge.Read More about Student Research

 

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

Common Career Paths

  • Law
  • Consulting
  • Research
  • Business and Finance
  • State, local and federal government
  • Elected office and campaign management
  • Journalism, media and communications
  • Community service
  • Advocacy
  • Non-governmental and non-profit organiztions
  • Teaching

Our former students are employed by:

  • Law firms
  • Schools and universities
  • Non-profit advocacy organizations
  • Multi-national corporations
  • Local, state and federal government agencies
  • Financial Institutions

Source: American Political Science Association 

Occupational Employment and Wages - May 2022

Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for Political Scientists:

Employment Mean hourly wage Mean annual wage
5,660 $60.64 $126,140

 

Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:

Percentile 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%
Hourly Wage $31.35 $43.18 $61.55 $78.52 $84.75
Annual Wage $65,200 $89,810 $128,020 $163,320 $176,280

For more information see: Bureau of Labor Statistics

 

Student Profiles

Get a Master's Degree

Aquinas College students may transfer up to six credits earned at Aquinas College toward a master's degree in Political Science at Western Michigan University as part of our 4+1program.

Student wearing graduation cap decorated with gold stars reading All thanks to the stars who taught me how to shine

Alumni Profiles

AQ grads are thankful for the small class sizes that allow them to form personal relationships with professors.