Wondering whether a degree in Political Science might be right for you? Contact us to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5301
Email: politicalscience@csuchico.edu
If you’re passionate about justice and want a career that helps people understand and exercise their human rights, our political science program is a great place to begin your journey. You’ll study how laws are formed, upheld, and promoted—and how people come together to create changes in response to them.
In small, supportive classes, you’ll explore the history of political power in relation to current events, investigating the function of laws from a variety of viewpoints. With pathways to work in law, government, and nonprofit organizations, our program provides long-term career prospects and a solid foundation for graduate studies in a variety of exciting fields.
A Call to Service
Grow your expertise in everything from research methods, to contemporary political thought, and US foreign policy. At the same time, enjoy opportunities to build your writing, public speaking, and debate skills in real-world environments like the Community Legal Information Clinic (CLIC).
Major Options
Our political science program offers three options, legal studies, US politics, and international relations, all of which have faculty advisors that work closely with you to help select the classes that best support your ambitions.
Legal Studies
Often seen as a pathway to a career in law, you’ll learn the foundational principles that give rise to our modern understanding of constitutional, administrative, and criminal law. Engage in hands-on internships or the legal clinic practicum, giving you practical experience working with attorneys, judges, inmates, and persons in the community.
US Politics
This option is an important step toward graduate degrees in political science and public administration. You will gain significant work experience and be provided with internship opportunities in the state legislature, with lobbying groups, political parties, candidates, and in the offices of US senators and representatives.
International Relations
Through immersive learning experiences—including one of the highest participation rates in study abroad programs on campus and the nationally renowned Model United Nations—this option is a pathway to a career on Capitol Hill, in the State Department, and with global NGOs and businesses.
An Impactful Career
Our graduates go on to work in settings like the superior court, state and federal agencies, legal firms and organizations, law enforcement, and highly successful private enterprises.
Some organizations where our grads work include:
- California Judicial Council
- California Department of Justice
- The Department of Justice
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation
- United States House of Representatives
- United States Senate
- California State Assembly and California Senate
- ZoomInfo
- Meridian Pacific Strategies
- United States Department of State
- Butte-Glenn Community College District
- California Department of Transportation
- Planned Parenthood
- California State Association of Counties
- NASA
- Riverside County Housing Authority
- US Forest Service
- National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)
- Marriott International
- Electronic Frontier Foundation
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This department has been a good place to enhance my intellectual abilities. The community created by the faculty and staff is very welcoming.
A Lasting Legacy
From innovative classes to groundbreaking programs serving rural communities, the faculty, staff, and students in our political science program are building on an established legacy that spans decades—and continues.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
Led by political science professor Amy Magnus, a team from Chico State and First 5 Tehama are bringing free online healthcare services to rural communities across the North State.
Cross-Disciplinary Faculty Duo Honored for Innovative Partnership
Professors Susan Roll and Jennifer Wilking have been honored by the California State University for their team-taught course that aspires to change local policy.
CLIC Celebrates 50 Years of Education and Service
A free legal assistance clinic for students and community members, the Community Legal Information Clinic marks 50 years of service.
Superior Court Judge Seeks Solutions Instead of Sentences
Now a judge for the Superior Court of Placer County in nearby Auburn, Colleen Nichols (Political Science, ’81) connects a direct thread from the altruistic experiences of her childhood to her time at CLIC and her 26-year courtroom career.
Serving Our Community
The Community Legal Information Clinic (CLIC) provides students with opportunities to learn by doing while practicing in an environment that serves our community.
+50
Years since CLIC at Chico State opened its doors to the public
10K
Inquiries for legal assistance annually
70+
Students complete volunteer hours at the CLIC each semester
- +50
Years since CLIC at Chico State opened its doors to the public
- 10K
Inquiries for legal assistance annually
- 70+
Students complete volunteer hours at the CLIC each semester
Discover Stories and More
Chico State TodayRelated Programs
Political Science and Criminal Justice Department
Wondering whether a degree in Political Science might be right for you? Contact us to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5301
Email: politicalscience@csuchico.edu