Today, 71% of people aged 16 to 40 get their news from social media. The global conversation has moved online—and it’s disrupting the traditional political process. As we ramp up to launch a political science program fit for modern times, it’s important to understand how our digital world will change the face of governance and its potential impacts on political systems, policy-making and development.
What is political science?
We don’t talk enough about the future-shaping potential of political science, but it touches every area of daily life. What’s more, it influences how we tackle pressing issues like climate change, inequality and human rights.
Political science is concerned with the study of politics, government and political behavior. It helps us understand the role of political institutions and analyzes the theories, structures and processes underpinning political systems from the local to the global level.
By studying the Bachelor in Political Science at IE University, you’ll start to understand ideology, moral norms and the behavior of people and groups within political contexts. You’ll be empowered to assess the effects of public policies, examine international relations dynamics and offer insights into the forces driving modern society.
Political science at IE University
The new Bachelor in Political Science at IE University provides the best foundation for influential future leaders. It equips you with the skills to tackle society’s issues through the design, analysis and implementation of impactful policies. By centering leadership, management and policy expertise, the program prepares you for the complex world of modern governance.
With such know-how, you can make a difference even in complex policy landscapes. Unlike traditional approaches, our Bachelor in Political Science takes emerging technologies into account, empowering you for the future. You’ll become familiar with critical tech tools to optimize your policy advocacy, such as artificial intelligence, big data, govtech and cybersecurity.
Niche expertise through specialized tracks
Studying IE University’s Bachelor in Political Science empowers you for a life of impact. You’ll acquire in-depth knowledge and advanced tools to tackle critical global issues through three distinct specialization tracks:
- Energy and Climate, for those who want to address energy transitions and climate change;
- Social, Education and Welfare, to tackle policy action around inequality, education, pensions and migration; and
- Health and Pandemics, which focuses on global health as a fundamental human right.
A springboard to impact
The Bachelor in Political Science is built for hands-on skills development. Through its practical approach, specialized learning tracks and emphasis on research and tech, it provides a broad set of abilities highly in demand by recruiters and employers, including:
- Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- Analytical writing skills
- Advanced research and data analysis skills
- Clear communication and presentation skills
- Effective advocacy skills
As a discipline, political science is incredibly multidisciplinary by nature. It leverages knowledge and methodologies from several other fields to examine political phenomena. This includes everything from law, economics and the humanities to psychology, behavioral science and global affairs. Students pursuing our Bachelor in Political Science gain a versatile skill set applicable to a wide range of careers, such as:
- Policymaker and public leader
- Sectoral policy specialist
- Public agency administrator
- Professional services, banking, insurance, law or auditing executive
- Professional in regulated industries (energy, telecommunications, transport or aerospace)
- Research manager
- Corporate public affairs manager
- Advocacy group or NGO leader
- Public relations consultant
- Political consultant
Navigating global challenges with political science
At its most fundamental level, this discipline is about understanding the political nature of national and global issues. Then, it goes one step further to find lasting solutions for these challenges, cutting through conflicting interests among different social groups to pinpoint the best political and philosophical principles for delivering better public policies and programs.
The goal is distributive justice through policy reform. With the Bachelor in Political Science, you’ll be ready to use the tools of the trade to structure meaningful solutions in different areas:
- Political science and climate change
Climate change is a hot-button topic around the world. Its politicization has led to polarized views, making it harder for climate scientists and researchers to propose effective cures. Social and political processes have further complicated decision-making around environmental issues.
Through the Bachelor in Political Science, you can specialize in Energy and Climate to explore the interplay between energy policy, green transition and climate change. You’ll be capable of shaping inclusive policies that push the needle on pollution, renewable energy and sustainable development.
- Political science addressing inequality
Specializing in the Social, Education and Welfare track lets you build tools to address the manifestations of inequality, such as poverty, inadequate access to essential services and limited social mobility, especially among marginalized groups. You’ll craft policies that stem the tide of disparity, encouraging transparency and amplifying the voice of underrepresented minority groups.
- Political science to champion human rights
Everyone is entitled to human rights, regardless of ethnicity, religion, language or any other descriptor. They are protected by various international treaties and conventions and overseen by dedicated multilateral bodies. One of these is the right to health, and in the Health and Pandemics specialization track, you’ll study the essentials of public health policy and managing global health crises like pandemics.
The future of political science
The best way to foster civic engagement in the modern world is by focusing on tech. Young people are already developing innovative tools to encourage participation in political processes and more youth votes. Will you be a part of the conversation? With our Bachelor in Political Science, you’ll launch a meaningful career defined by sound public policy, sustainable development and overall positive impact.