Federal Government

The Department of Political Science has a strong network of alumni in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Why? Because political science is the perfect degree for people who want to work for the federal government. Although we have many alumni working for numerous federal agencies, several former students are working on “the Hill” because of their participation in our Washington, D.C. Summer Congressional Internship Program.

A sampling of courses for students interested in a career with the federal government:

  • POLS 305: Parties and Elections
  • POLS 307: The U.S. Congress
  • POLS 308: The American Presidency
  • POLS 310: The U.S. Supreme Court
  • POLS 380: American Foreign Policy

Notable Alumni


Gina Gregolunas

Gina Gregolunas
B.A., 2013
Legislative Aide for Rep. Randy Hultgren

I attribute my professional development and success today to the guidance I received from the Political Science Department at NIU. Without the support from my professors within the POLS Department, in addition to the D.C. Internship Program, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to intern, and eventually work, on Capitol Hill today. My professors’ ability to engage the classroom at an individual level, pushed me to never stop short of my personal best.


Scott Riplinger

Scott Riplinger
B.A., 2005
Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Dean Heller

After completing the political science program at NIU, I was prepared to immediately begin my career on Capitol Hill. I still rely on the specialized lessons I received from the political science program to understand our ever changing political and policy environment. No matter the emphasis chosen, the NIU Political Science Department faculty and staff provide outstanding resources to prepare any student who is interested in serving our country through public service.


Gary Timmins

Gary Timmins
B.A., 2012
Legislative Correspondent for Congressman Bill Foster

The NIU Department of Political Science provided the tools for success and copious opportunities, such as the Washington, D.C. Internship, NIU at Oxford, and the Student Conference on U.S. Affairs at West Point. Without the support and guidance of the Department, I would not be where I am today.

Contact Us

Department of Political Science
Zulauf Hall 415
815-753-1011
815-753-6302 (fax)

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday
8 a.m. - noon
1 - 4:30 p.m.

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