Department of Political Science
Are you interested in learning about the world around you? Are you driven to make that world a better place? Are you interested in a career in law, government, or public service?
The Political Science Department offers exciting opportunities for our students. Our dedicated faculty are committed to excellence and are widely published in their respective areas of research. We pride ourselves on challenging our students and helping them developing critical research, writing and oral communications skills.
Our department also features nationally recognized Mock Trial and Model United Nations programs that offer simulations and team exercises that supplement the traditional classroom experience. Our teams regularly win top awards at national competitions. In the Winter of 2006, two members of the Mock Trial team were recognized for their outstanding witness performances in two separate competitions. In 2007, at the National Model United Nations conference in New York, the Benedictine University team represented France, and won the top two awards: Outstanding Delegation and Outstanding Position Papers.
Our department is also home to the Center for Civic Leadership and Public Service, directed by Distinguished Fellow and former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan. The purpose of the Center is to inspire students to consider careers in public service and help them to become involved citizens. Each semester, the Center brings distinguished speakers to campus to lead discussions on central political issues of the day. Past speakers have included Senator Barack Obama, Washington Post columnist David Broder, former Illinois governor Jim Edgar and Newsweek assistant managing editor Evan Thomas. In addition, the Center hosts an annual Conference for Civic Leadership that aims to inspire students to consider careers in public service and to become leaders in their community. Speakers from the fields of government, law and public service give presentations, and students engage in discussion through simulations. Plus, each year, three Public Service Fellows are selected from among our majors, and receive scholarship support and special opportunities for internships and leadership experiences.
Our students have a distinguished record of success. Political Science graduates attend some of the top law schools and graduate programs in the area, including University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, and others. And, our alumni work in a variety of fields, including government, law and business, and we are building a strong alumni network to mentor our students and provide internship and other opportunities that enhance our educational environment.
The Political Science Department at Benedictine University continues to work to build on this record of excellence and success.
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