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DePaul University

Political Science and Government, General

Field of study · Chicago, Illinois, United States

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Campus

    Chicago

  • Intl. Tuition

    US$48,180 (2026-27)

  • Home Tuition

    US$48,180 (2026-27)

  • Intake

    Fall 2027

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Course Overview

Political Science and Government, General at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs. Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

Student life (indicative)

Chicago punches above its weight as a student city — world-class museums, legendary live music, incredible food, a spectacular lakefront, and a warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it feel like home quickly.

The University at a Glance

Undergraduate Population

14,090

Staff Ratio

17.0:1

International

4.0%

Career Prospects

Completion Rate

69%

finish their degree (not an employment rate)

Avg Starting Salary

£32,406

First-year earnings

Placement Year

✓ Available

Work experience option

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

US$48,180

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

US$48,180

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

University Life

Urban

City & Location

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Political Science and Government, General
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Political Science and Government, General topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Political Science and Government, General
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

14,090

Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.

Staff Ratio

17:1

Students per staff

International Students

4%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

Campus Type

Urban

City Size

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Four seasons

Safety Index (indicative)

6.5/10

Transport

Excellent (direct city or on-campus rail, major airport nearby)

Social Scene

Friendly community

Student Life & City (indicative)

Chicago punches above its weight as a student city — world-class museums, legendary live music, incredible food, a spectacular lakefront, and a warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it feel like home quickly.

  • Chicago punches above its weight as a student city — world-class museums, legendary live music, incredible food, a spectacular lakefront, and a warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it feel like home quickly.

What Students Love

  • Rich arts & cultural scene
  • Active music scene
  • Diverse international food scene
  • Major sports culture

University Stats

Undergraduate Students14,090
Student-to-Staff Ratio17:1
International Students4%
Safety Index (indicative)6.5/10

Career & Outcomes

Completion Rate

69%

Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.

Avg Starting Salary

£32,406

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✓ Available

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs. Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

  • Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs.
  • Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Technology
  • Research
  • Healthcare

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

US$48,180

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

US$48,180

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Total Programme Cost

US$192,720

For full 4 years

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Estimated Annual Costs

Tuition (International)US$48,180per year, 2026-27 Official fee page
Tuition (Home)US$48,180per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£1,303/mo
Food & Groceries£410/mo
Transport£146/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£2,113
Annual living costs£25,359/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport). Chicago is pricier than most Midwest cities but significantly cheaper than NYC or LA — great urban value.

  • One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport).
  • Chicago is pricier than most Midwest cities but significantly cheaper than NYC or LA — great urban value.