Political Science Degree
Hiram’s political science majors are responsible, open-minded, confident, and intellectually demanding, and they understand the philosophical dimension of political discourse. As a student in our political science degree program, you can expect to challenge and be challenged.
Current students pair their political science major with:
- Philosophy
- History
- Communication
- Performing Arts
- Criminal Justice
- Environmental Studies
About Our Political Science Major
Our political science degree program aims to lay the foundation for students to intellectually make political decisions and develop the mindset to be successful. Students will learn a combination of skills in and out of the classroom that will help them develop tactics that will be essential for years to come.
Political Science Degree Program Summary
The political science major is rigorous, philosophical, and practical. According to Professor Emeritus John Koritansky, the major is highly intellectual: “…more rooted in books, articles, public documents, and state papers that present arguments than is true of most programs at other schools.”
Students pursuing their political science degree at Hiram College develop habits, skills, and an appropriate disposition about politics and connect it with careful reading of closely reasoned textual material.
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Key Courses in Our Political Science Degree Program
Our political science major allows students to explore key topics that enhance their understanding of politics, government, and philosophy. The courses in this program introduce students to theoretical concepts while also providing practical insights into political processes.
A few of the key topics covered in the courses of our political science degree program include:
- American government
- International law
- Modern political philosophy
- Politics of human rights
- Politics of developing areas
For a complete list of courses in this program, please visit the political science degree course catalog.
Explore Various Career Paths for Political Science Majors
When you choose our northeast Ohio political science major, there are diverse career paths you can take following graduation. Our students work in varied sectors, including:
- State government
- Local government
- U.S. national government
- Political campaigns
- Foundations
- Nonprofits
- Advocacy groups
- Think tanks
Immediately upon graduation or after working for a while, most political science graduates go forward into graduate education. Whether our political science degree graduates move forward to law school, or to achieve their master’s or Ph.D. in programs in political science, public policy, or public administration, Hiram College will give them the strong foundation they need.
Ways to Get Involved at Hiram for Political Science Majors
The Garfield Center for Public Leadership focuses on preparing students to assume public leadership roles and to positively affect their community and themselves. Students develop expertise in matters such as both foreign and domestic public policy by immersing in real, hands-on scenarios.
In the spirit of James A. Garfield, the Center helps both the political and the apolitical explore public service in a process replete with opportunities on and off campus.
Earn Your Political Science Degree at Hiram College
Our campus is conveniently located in Hiram, Ohio, attracting students from Akron, Youngstown, Cleveland, and even western Pennsylvania. One of the many benefits of our premier location is that our students are able to take advantage of all the unique offerings of each surrounding city. From trying out local restaurants to visiting landmarks, there is no shortage of things to do outside of the classroom.
Choosing our political science major at Hiram encompasses personal and professional growth through learning, engaging, and socializing. When you join the Hiram community, you will experience how our faculty works closely with students to steadily prepare them for success after graduation. With our 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, we aim to provide each student with the resources they need to be successful in our political science degree program and beyond.
Political Science Degree Requirements and Tuition Costs
To earn your political science degree at Hiram College, you must satisfy both major-specific and general graduation requirements. While the exact criteria will depend on your catalog year, the following are key degree requirements you will need to fulfill as a political science major:
- Completion of at least 120 semester hours
- Maintenance of a cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Successful completion of all degree-specific requirements
- Fulfillment of the Urgent Challenges Curriculum
You should also note that we have a tuition guarantee which ensures tuition will remain the same for students for all four years. For more information on specific costs, visit our tuition and fees page.
FAQs About Our Political Science Degree Program
Explore some frequently asked questions to help you learn more about what you can expect from the political science degree program and how it can benefit you in your future endeavors.
Apply to Our Political Science Major Today!
If you’re ready to hit the ground running and start pursuing your political science degree in northeast Ohio, visit our application page. Beyond our political science major, you can also find more information about Hiram College and campus life by browsing our website.
We strongly encourage students to reach out with questions regarding our programs, curriculum, and campus. A member of our Admission team looks forward to speaking with you!
Political Science Degree Program Faculty

Laci Fiala, Ph.D.

James Thompson, Ph.D.

Jugdep Chima, Ph.D.
Hiram Tuition Guarantee – Your tuition costs are locked in for all four years of your undergraduate experience.
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