Beyond the Headlines: Why Political Science is Thriving When Other Fields Are Not
The narrative surrounding higher education right now is dominated by decline. Universities brace for an “enrollment cliff,” anticipating fewer students as birth rates fall. Yet, within the College of Arts and Sciences at one Midwestern university, a surprising trend is emerging: applications to the political science major are surging. This isn’t simply a local anomaly; it reflects a deeper shift in how young people are responding to a world increasingly defined by political turmoil and information overload. While overall CAS applications have decreased by roughly 11%, the Department of Political Science, led by Molly Melin, has seen a remarkable 20% increase in interest. The question isn’t just that more students are choosing to study politics, but why now, and what this signals about the expectations of a generation entering adulthood.
The commonly stated explanation – that students are simply more aware of current events – feels insufficient. It’s true that the constant barrage of news, amplified by social media, is a defining characteristic of the modern experience. Jennifer Forestal, associate professor of political science, notes that this accessibility comes with a cost: “It’s made it possible to get news from a variety of sources…On the other hand, it makes for what can often be a really confusing and overwhelming information environment.” But the department’s growth isn’t about students passively absorbing information; it’s about actively seeking the tools to interpret it. Molly Melin observed that students are arriving with a desire for “concepts and a vocabulary to interpret and explain what they see in the news,” suggesting a move beyond emotional reaction toward analytical understanding. This isn’t merely about keeping up with the 24-hour news cycle, but about developing a framework for critical engagement.
Drawn from loyolaphoenix.com.
This desire for analytical tools appears to be translating into a proactive mindset. Yuna Blajer de la Garza, assistant professor, hypothesizes that students aren’t just trying to “make sense of what is happening,” but are also searching for ways to respond. First-year student Violet Cavanagh, who is double majoring in political science and multimedia journalism, articulated this sentiment directly: “I feel like I’ve always had a strong desire to help fix the justice system and so political science was always kind of in the back of my mind.” This isn’t a dispassionate academic pursuit for Cavanagh, but a pathway toward tangible change. The curriculum itself seems to be reinforcing this connection, with courses like international relations – described by Cavanagh as explaining “the mechanics behind those events and why they occurred” – proving particularly impactful.
However, the department’s success isn’t unfolding without internal challenges. Plans to demolish Coffey Hall, the current home of the political science faculty, and relocate to a new, yet-to-be-constructed space on Broadway have sparked frustration among faculty regarding the pace of administrative decision-making and a perceived lack of consultation. These structural concerns, previously reported by The Phoenix, highlight a tension between the university’s investment in the department’s academic growth and its commitment to providing adequate resources. This situation underscores a broader issue facing many universities: the difficulty of balancing ambitious academic goals with practical logistical constraints.
Looking beyond the immediate campus context, the rising interest in political science aligns with broader trends in career pathways. The Illinois Department of Employment Security projects a 7.36% growth in employment for lawyers between 2022 and 2032, and law school applications have increased by 13.4% compared to last year. While a political science degree doesn’t guarantee a career in law, it provides a strong foundation for further study and a range of other professions requiring critical thinking and analytical skills. Molly Melin emphasizes that today’s students are “much more informed” and seek a structured approach to navigating the complexities of the world.
The crucial question now is whether universities will adapt to this evolving demand. Will they prioritize investment in the humanities and social sciences, recognizing their vital role in preparing students to engage with a complex world? Or will they continue to focus on STEM fields, potentially leaving a generation ill-equipped to address the political and social challenges ahead? As the department navigates its relocation and continues to attract a growing number of students, it will be essential to watch whether the university administration responds with commensurate support, ensuring that this surge in interest translates into a sustainable and thriving program. The future of political science – and perhaps, the future of informed civic engagement – may depend on it.
