Explore American politics, global politics, and political thought. Think critically about moral questions of freedom, justice, order, peace, authority, and equality. Examine issues like immigration, war and peace, the environment, campaign finance, foreign relations, human rights, and nationalism.
In an era of growing political polarization, the politics program cultivates a culture of civil (though lively) dialogue, teaches you how to escape oversimplification, puts American political dynamics in their global context, and pays attention to the age-old moral questions underlying political debates.
All Social Sciences Teaching Endorsement
Politics students seeking certification to teach in secondary education may choose to get an all social sciences endorsement. This covers courses in American history, world history, government, psychology, sociology, geography, and economics.
Experiential Learning
- Be a part of Loras moot court, an intercollegiate competition where Loras is traditionally very successful.
- The College’s Iowa location gives you a front-row seat to the influential first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses, including campus visits by presidential candidates.
- Explore a May-term travel course on Nationalism that has taken students to countries such as China and Ireland.
Explore Internships & Careers
Internship opportunities offer real-world experiences. You can complete internships for academic credit or non-credit. Many students do internships in law, in government, with community groups, or on political campaigns.
- Dubuque Chamber of Commerce
- East Central Intergovernmental Association
- Congressional Offices
- Law Firms
- County Prosecutor and Public Defender Offices
- Dubuque City Government
- State and Federal Political Campaigns
- Lobbying Firms
- Neighborhood Groups
You will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers.
- Lawyer
- Policy Analyst
- Nonprofit Director
- Urban Planner
- Diplomat
- Congressional Staff Member
- U.S. Military
- Elementary/High School Teacher
- Business Executive
- Government Administrator
- Community Organizer
- Journalist
Course Highlights
School of Humanities & Education
Majors & Minors
graduate degree Opportunities
Loras offers a variety of dual degree & accelerated pathways such as our 3+3 LAW JD. This juris doctorate pathway is designed for high-achieving students to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees efficiently and economically.
Clubs & Orgs
We have a variety of opportunities for you to get involved from the moment you set foot on campus.
Loras College Democrats
Loras College Republicans
Loras Student Government
Youth Democratic Socialists of America
Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society
DuPeace & Justice
Straight Talk from a Duhawk
Moot court shaped my Loras experience by confirming my desire to attend law school (Iowa ’17). It taught me many of the skills that law school students will need to develop during their first year, effectively placing me ahead of the game and helping to ensure law school success.
— Jessica (’14)
Meet Your Professors
Christopher Budzisz PhD
Associate Professor of Politics
David Cochran PhD
Professor of Politics
Co-Director of Peace and Justice Minor
Benjamin Darr PhD
Associate Professor of Politics
Politics News
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Voices for Peace at Vatican Gathering
Loras College’s Dr. David Cochran, professor of politics, recently traveled to Rome to present at this month’s Synod, a global… More
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Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Advocacy
Dubuque’s own Ava Bradley (’24) is diving headfirst into the realm of government affairs this semester, thanks to her internship with the city’s Chamber of Commerce. Ava works closely… More
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IPTC Grant to Benefit Community College Transfers to Iowa Private Colleges, Universities
Find a more transparent, cost-effective, and coordinated transfer process thanks to a three-year grant More