Political science is the study of politics, governments, political systems, institutions and political behavior among nations. Many think that the common career outcome of a political science education is to work in politics or government. But not all political science students become politicians. Our curriculum can prepare you as a well-rounded individual versed in various skills. Political science career paths in today’s global world include corporate consultants, campaign strategists, national security experts, think tank analysts, lobbyists and educators, to name a few.
Graduates of the program can pursue advanced degrees and enter careers in national and local government, legal work, education, governmental affairs, interest groups, and international organizations.
Politics are always changing, and political science professionals often have a finger on the pulse of humanity's changes and how we collectively interact. Oakton's political science courses offer hands-on experience and understanding of politics, social issues, the world around at large, and are a gateway for students interested in becoming more involved in their communities. We offer an associate of arts in political science, with the option to follow a pre-major program that will prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university.
If you already plan to obtain an A.A. in political science, we encourage you to follow our pre-major program. It is designed for students who have not decided upon a specific four-year college or university. Once you've decided on a transfer school, contact the Office of Advising, Transitions and Student Success to ensure your transfer credits are set and that you are ready for the transition.
The employment of political scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 600 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for political scientists was $122,510 in 2021.
Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.
99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.
To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.
We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.
Learn more about your options for paying for your education
Meet our full-time faculty:
Kayla Mitchell
Chair, EGHPS (Economics, Geography, History, and Political Science)
Associate Professor, Economics
B.B. Western Illinois University
M.A. Western Illinois University
Areas of Specialization: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
kmitchell@oakton.edu
847.376.7256
Office: 2602, Des Plaines
George Lungu
Distinguished Professor, Political Science
A.A. Oakton Community College
B.A. University of Chicago
M.A. University of Chicago
Areas of Specialization: International Relations, Security Studies, American Foreign Policy, and Area Studies: Middle East and Central Asia
lungu@oakton.edu
847.376.7136
Office: 2831, Des Plaines
Meet our part-time faculty:
Ribhi I. Salhi
Lecturer
B.A. University of Jordan
M.A. Roosevelt University
M.A. Northern Illinois University
Ph.D. Walden University
Areas of Specialization: Terrorism, US Foreign Policy, National Security, Comparative Government, Peace Mediation and Conflict Resolution, the Middle East and Southeast Asia Politics and Government
rsalhi@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie
Jaleh Sherbini
Lecturer
B.A. American University in Cairo
M.A. Northeastern Illinois University
Ed.D. National-Louis University
Areas of Specialization: International Relations, American Government and Public Policy, Middle East Studies, Western and Non-Western Comparative Politics, Leadership and Policy in Higher Ed.
jsherbin@oakton.edu
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines