Political Science

Study the systems, institutions, and leaders that cause social change.

As a Political Science major at Butler, you will learn how to effect positive social change as an active and responsible citizen of your community, country, and world.

Respect Human Rights Photo

Pursue positive social change.

As a Political Science major at Butler, you will learn how to effect positive social change as an active and responsible citizen of your community, country, and world. Through internships, research, and community-based service learning, you will gain practical experience and empathetic understanding, working with organizations focused on policymaking, social justice, legal and human rights, poverty, and more.

You can immerse yourself in the culture and politics of other countries, during study abroad tours and fieldwork led by our faculty. You even have the option of completing your degree in three years.

Creative, Comprehensive Curriculum

Along with foundational courses covering U.S. and international politics, you can take innovative courses on community mediation, civil rights, peace and conflict, gender, geopolitical hotspots like China and the Middle East, even politics through the lens of humor or The Hunger Games.

Experiential Learning

Butler group GALA trip

Global Adventures in the Liberal Arts

Our Global Adventures in the Liberal Arts program (GALA) lets students travel to several locations over a semester, while taking a course with accompanying Butler faculty members, often Political Science instructors. Recent GALA groups have toured Europe, South Africa, and East Asia.

U.S. Capitol

Washington D.C. Learning Semester

The White House, State Department, Amnesty International, and numerous other sites. Participants also take for-credit classes in foreign policy and the history and public art of Washington.

Statue Of Liberty

New York City Learning Semester

During the New York City Learning Semester, Butler students intern at places like the New York Rangers, Emmis Communications, Restaurant Associates, and more. In addition to their internships, students participate in designated experiential short courses and field trips. This program is only offered during the fall semesters.

small class size

Center for Citizenship and Community

All Butler undergraduates take at least one service-learning course involving active engagement with Indianapolis neighborhoods and community organizations. Our Center for Citizenship and Community (CCC) helps identify community partners, design courses, and foster student growth in civic mindedness.