Overview

Civic and Nonprofit Leadership is a major option in Political Science focusing on U.S. government leadership, nonprofit leadership, and public policy. You will develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills, preparing you for a wide variety of careers in government, public administration, urban planning, non-profits, public policy research, and the private sector. Over the last 10 years, over 40% of our majors attend law school or graduate school. Our alumni are leaders in state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, legislative offices, policy research, and the private sector. Our students are flexible, ready to learn new skills in emerging fields and technology. Our students care--they are already leaders on campus and in our community. They want to make a difference, and we hope you join us!

Why study Civic and Nonprofit Leadership at EIU? 

• Gain hands-on experience through internships, study abroad, government simulations, or a research project.
• Take courses to develop your professional career and research skills. 
• Easily add a double major or minor. 
• Develop advanced public administration and geographic information systems skills, essential for jobs in city management, regional/urban planning, nonprofit, and government careers.
• Earn a BA and MA in 5 years and 1 summer through our accelerated graduate program.
• Be well prepared for law school--Political Science is the #1 major for students pursuing the Pre-Law minor.

Career placement in the last 10 years:

• Local, state, and federal government agencies, including the military and foreign service (27% of graduates)
• Law and legal research (15% of graduates)
• Campaign managers, outreach coordinators, lobbyists, nonprofit leaders, and policy advocates (11% of graduates)
• University professors, administrators, advisors, coordinators, and fundraisers (16% of graduates)
• Finance, banking, insurance, healthcare, and government liaisons (25%)

Degree: B.A.

Completion time: 40 hours

Internships:

Numerous internship opportunities exist, including Congressional offices and campaigns, law offices, city managers, non-profits, and Washington, D.C. internships. Students interested in pre-law internships should contact our Pre-Law advisor, Dr. Karen Swenson (kbswenson@eiu.edu), while students interested in all other Political Science internships should contact our Internship Coordinator, John Morris (jsmorris@eiu.edu). 

Resources

- Program Information in EIU Catalog

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