Civic education helps individuals develop greater power as professionals, citizens and people. At Franklin College we couple experience with coursework to provide a real civic education. So, you won’t just be sitting in a classroom.
Why Political Science at Franklin College?

![]()
Anyone can “Google” a political blog, have political ideas fed to them by pundits or catch a TED Talk on a political issue. But students studying political science at Franklin College learn by doing. They engage personally with the fields of government, law and politics while connecting theory to practice.
Why do students choose political science at Franklin College?
Political Science majors learn by doing:
- Experiential learning is the core of the political science curriculum.
- As part of their coursework, political science majors argue mock court cases, facilitate campaigns, present and/or publish their own work, participate in government or represent a position before their peers from around the globe. Courses demonstrate how individual experience in the field relates to leading scholarship and research in the discipline.
- Political science majors complete one or more internships. Students benefit from one-on-one faculty support in tailoring their internship search, application and experience.
Political Science students receive a personalized educational experience:
- Small classes, a low student-teacher ratio and dedicated advisers help students develop their potential toward exciting careers.
- Faculty assist students with undergraduate research, career preparation and in the job search.
- Faculty maintain strong relationships with alumni, providing a connection that helps both current students and graduates in the Franklin College family.
Political Science students make the most of their liberal arts education:
- A broad range of courses and educational experiences introduce students to related careers.
- A major in political science complements many other areas of study, such as chemistry, journalism, business and history. An international relations minor further broadens a student’s academic possibilities.
- While many political science majors follow the specifically designed pre-law curriculum and enter law school, others apply their political science knowledge to a variety of careers. A background in political science is helpful in such areas as business, administration (educational, public, hospital), civil service and/or foreign service, education (secondary and college), politics, personnel management, polling and public opinion analysis, law enforcement, urban studies and planning, diplomatic and/or intelligence service and public environmental affairs.
Shape the world through political science.
Download the Political Science Major HandoutCourse Catalog
Choose Your Path
Students who choose to study political science at Franklin College can pursue two different majors — Political Science or Political Economy. Both are also available as a minor. Students may also pursue a Pre-Law designation.
A minor in International Relations is also available.
Video Spotlight
Pulliam School of Journalism students Emma Watson, DeMarion Newell, and Katie Thoman captured a behind-the-scenes look at Franklin College’s Model UN experience in New York! Check out their video highlighting the trip and our amazing student delegates.


Political Science and Pre-Law
Franklin College offers students a distinctive experience in preparing for law school. The college and its partners generously offer a range of scholarships for pre-law students. Our pre-law curriculum guides students of any major toward classes and experiences that will best prepare them for application to law school, life as a law student and the realities of legal practice.
Students receive individual advising in all aspects of the application process, choosing a school and financial planning for law school. Pre-law students at Franklin College enjoy a wide range of classes that help them learn more about law and the legal profession. And they enjoy experiences like Mock Trial Team that engage them in practice. Franklin College pre-law students engage in meaningful internships that help them build skills and connections.
Details concerning the pre-law program may be obtained through department chair Randall Smith, Ph.D.
Our Stories
Want to explore your fit at Franklin College? Here are some next steps.
Come for a Visit

Apply for Admission

Contact Admissions

Meet Our People
Meet the talented professionals who will help guide you on your political science journey.
Department of Political Science
Address
Contact
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.




