Political Science and Criminal Justice

About Us

Political Science and Criminal Justice Mission Statement

The mission of the Political Science and Criminal Justice Department is to provide students with the educational experiences and environment to become familiar with and competent in the attitudes, subjects, and skills of the discipline of political science, the capacity to attain career success that allows them to utilize the knowledge, skills, and judgment acquired in our programs, and a sense of civic responsibility.

Each major and program in our department has its own mission and goals, which you can read about in the program descriptions.

Chair's Welcome

Dear Friends,

Jennifer Wilking

Welcome to the Chico State Political Science and Criminal Justice Department website!

If you are interested in politics, how and why government works the way it does, how society responds to crime, international issues and systems, political theory, or the law, then join us in the Political Science and Criminal Justice Department. We offer bachelor's degrees in criminal justice(opens in new window), international relations(opens in new window), U.S. politics(opens in new window), legal studies(opens in new window), and public administration(opens in new window), and master's degrees in political science and public administration.(opens in new window)

Our accomplished, committed, and energetic faculty offer a variety of courses on varied topics and will guide you through a program suited to your interests. Our program advisors are the best on campus.

The Political Science and Criminal Justice Department offers numerous internships, service learning opportunities, study abroad, and other activities such as the Model United Nations, the Community Legal Information Clinic (CLIC), the Moot Court competition, Pi Sigma Alpha (the national political science honor society), the Pre-Law Society, and the Criminal Justice Student Association. Moreover, we are proud to offer more scholarships than any other department in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Our website provides useful information on all of our programs and opportunities. I hope you find it helpful. We also invite you to come visit us on the seventh floor of Butte Hall.

A special note to our alumni – although you are no longer on campus, we still want to hear from you! Please keep in touch, check out our alumni page, and visit us when you are back in Chico.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Wilking

Chair and Professor

Political Science and Criminal Justice Department