Interested in learning more about a Political Science and Criminal Justice major? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Location: Behavioral and Social Sciences Building 306
Phone: 530-898-5301
Email: politicalscience@csuchico.edu
The Political Science and Criminal Justice bachelor's and graduate degree programs offer excellent preparation for students interested in careers in governance and advocacy. Students choose courses from a rich curriculum, providing close student-faculty contact in each of the following areas of study: criminal justice, international relations, legal studies, public administration, and U.S. politics.
Are you passionate about justice, community health, and how the rule of law is applied in society? Our nationally ranked criminal justice program explores big, important social issues you see and read about every day—and helps you turn your passion for a more equitable world into a career advocating for better legal procedures, services, and programs.
If you are passionate about politics, justice or international affairs, our political science program is a great place to begin your journey. This degree prepares students for a myriad of careers in politics and governance, at local, national and international levels. Students in the Political Science BA can pursue one of three options: international relations, legal studies, and U.S. politics.
The Political Science Master’s degree program aims to equip students with an in-depth comprehension of fundamental concepts in modern political science, including theories and empirical discoveries.The curriculum ensures a comprehensive grasp of key areas within the field, encompassing political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations.
Our public administration program explores how government serves people through public safety, healthcare, environmental stewardship, urban planning, and infrastructure. Students study the evolution of public institutions and engage in discussions on current and emerging challenges to accessing essential services.
Join our public administration program—the only one of its kind in Central and Northern California—to make a difference in your community and beyond. The MPA graduate degree program equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage organizations, people, and budgets.
Political Science and Criminal Justice students are eligible for a number of merit-based and/or need-based scholarships and awards. Please see the BSS Scholarships and Awards page for more information!
The student learning organizations within the Political Science and Criminal Justice Department offer unique learning experiences and connection with the community
Chico State's Model United Nations students have earned an international reputation for excellence during the past few decades. Interested students take INTR 340A in the fall semester and compete at the Northwest Model UN conference in Seattle. The top performers then take INTR 340B in the spring semester and compete at the National Model UN conference in New York City. Contact the Model UN advisor, Dr. Michelle Rose at mrose2@csuchico.edu for more information.
The Moot Court Competition is based upon the model from law schools and from the undergraduate Moot Court Competition Nationals. Students in this program are provided a fact situation and citable authority about a month before the actual competition. During that month they prepare their arguments, author an appellate brief, and go about honing their presentation to be made in a single elimination tournament. To learn more information about the Moot Court Competition, and related course curricula, please contact Maitreya Badami, at mbadami@csuchico.edu.
CLIC provides free legal information to the Chico community as well as surrounding areas. California State University, Chico students help staff CLIC and provide free legal information in the forms of seminars, workshops, and limited representation to clients in administrative law hearings. To find out about opportunities and participate as a student, contact Professor Sally Anderson at saanderson@csuchico.edu or call CLIC at 530-898-4354.
Internships are available in each of our degree programs and options! Political Science students often intern at the state capitol, through the Sacramento Semester program, or in Washington D.C. Criminal Justice students have had internships in various county sheriff’s office and city police departments, as well as with university police, and non-profit agencies. Each semester, International Relations students intern at a locally-based International non-profit, IlluminAid. Internships are also available for any major, at the Community Legal Information Clinic.
See more information about internships with our department!
Explore student-run clubs that bring learning to life. Chico State’s Political Science and Criminal Justice clubs offer real-world experience, leadership, and connection beyond the classroom.
Interested in learning more about a Political Science and Criminal Justice major? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Location: Behavioral and Social Sciences Building 306
Phone: 530-898-5301
Email: politicalscience@csuchico.edu
