Meadville, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Scholarships
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Introduction
Explore politics, public policy, and political behavior in the U.S. and around the world. Debate enduring value issues — like freedom, justice, order, and power — and the practical and ethical implications of contemporary policy issues.
Political Science at a glance
- 100% of majors entering the workforce are employed within eight months of graduation.
- 10% of graduates join service programs like Teach for America or the Peace Corps.
- 3:1 Average program student-faculty ratio
Blending theoretical debates with practical skills, funded internships, travel seminars, student-faculty research, and civic engagement prepares our graduates to found NGOs, work in Congress, join intelligence agencies, practice law, lead marketing firms, and teach high school.
- Our courses span the globe: the U.S., China, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Students pursue their passions among a wide range of choices: race, health care, immigration, law, terrorism, gender, media, and much more.
- The Law and Policy Program: unique preparation for careers and graduate work. Integrates academics, civic learning, and professional development on U.S. and global affairs. Includes internships, renowned speakers, and study away.
Curriculum
Establish an introductory foundation and then focus coursework around big questions in the field like "Problems in Democracy" or "Globalization and Transnational Politics.'' Students study what interests them, rather than just checking off requirements.
Year 1
Students take introductory courses on U.S. or international politics or political theory. Many also enroll in a 200-level course, such as regional surveys of Latin America, Europe, China, or the Middle East, or those on topics like Politics in Popular Culture, Law and Courts, Immigration, or Health Policy. Classes throughout the department are high-energy spaces, including diverse approaches — lectures, discussions, simulations, and debates — and integrate current events and visiting speakers.
Year 2
Students complete introductory coursework and enroll in 200-level courses, which are typically pitched to second-year students. Some students move into more focused 300-level seminars on topics like Constitutional Law, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, Urban Politics, Gender and Politics, East Asian Democracy, and Political Economy. Many students begin research with a faculty member; several of these collaborations have led to co-authored publications.
Year 3
Students take their Junior Seminar, an advanced, research-based course to prepare for the Senior Project. Many complete summer internships. The Dotson Fund financially supports political scientists' internships in Washington, D.C., where we have a large network of alumni. Our partnership with the Robert H. Jackson Center offers another unique opportunity, but our students intern in locations around the globe — from Brussels to Capetown, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and right here in Meadville!
Year 4
Students complete political science coursework, with advanced classes in topics like Race and Politics, Civil Wars, Congress, and Social Policy in European Democracies. All majors take the department's Comp proposal course and then research and write their Senior Project.