Political Science Opportunities
Political Science at Saint Francis University
Our program emphasizes a general understanding of political science, with opportunities to specialize and expand upon areas of individual interest if so desired. For example, you can earn a bachelor of arts degree in political science and use your electives as you wish. Or you might want to pursue a second major in computer science, or English, or History, or psychology, or business, or something else. Another option would be to pursue a bachelor of arts degree in political science and select a concentration in pre-law, or secondary education, or international studies, or political communications. If you think you would like a job with the government, you should consider a bachelor of science degree in public administration/government service. Our program is structured yet flexible. If you have special interest, needs or career objectives, there is a good chance that you will be able to find what you are looking for. It is even possible for you to self-design a major.
We challenge our Political Science students
to REACH HIGHER . . .
Program Highlights
A favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 within the major puts the average class size in advanced courses is fewer than ten students. This allows for close interaction between students and faculty. Full-time faculty members teach most courses. Our courses are not offered by graduate teaching assistants. Highly qualified visiting professors also supplement our course offerings. For example, former Congressman Bud Shuster teaches our course on Legislative Process. Our faculty are accessible and are committed to student learning and success. At Saint Francis University, you will know your professors and they will know you. If you want individual attention, come here. If you would prefer to "hide out," you should go somewhere else.
The Duquesne University School of Law Early Admissions Program allows qualified students to enroll in law school after three years at Saint Francis University. You can save time and money.
Experiential learning opportunities abound. We believe that learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom. To this end, our students participated in model United Nations programs, moot court activities, and undergraduate research conferences at which they present the findings of independent research projects to an audience of their peers. Students observe school board meetings, borough council sessions, trials, and other public meetings. They use C-SPAN and PCN to observe public meetings which they cannot attend in person. In various ways, the "outside world" figures prominently in our classrooms.
Internships are very important in our program because they are excellent learning opportunities and provide valuable work experience that will come in handy after graduation. Most of our students gain such hands-on experience in Washington, state or local governmental offices, and related areas.
Independent study projects can be pursued by students under the guidance of a faculty member. This encourages students to develop their understanding of political topics that are of particular interest to them.
Study abroad opportunities are available during a semester or academic year or over the summer. Recently, students have attended such prestigious institutions as the Oxford University, Trinity College, Dublin, and the University of Salzburg. Students can also take advantage of the College's summer study programs in Quebec and Mexico. Saint Francis University is a member of the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA), which offers intensive study programs in England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries during the summer and winter breaks.
Specialized Advertising is available for students interested in internships, law school, graduate school, or study abroad.
Our highly qualified faculty publish books and articles, pursue active research agendas, hold offices in regional and state professional associations, and serve as external reviewers for programs at other colleges and universities. They have been recognized for teaching and professional accomplishments by students, colleagues, and alumni.
A traditional liberal arts education is an important part of the Saint Francis University experience. You will come to recognize how our courses are connected to one another and how our program connects to the core. You will recognize how the critical reasoning, analytical, and communication skills you develop will have practical value to employers. You will see the big picture.
A multi-disciplinary approach links the study of political science to other perspectives by incorporating courses in economics, philosophy, history, sociology, business, and others into our programs. Many of our students also opt for a double-major in political science and some other field.
Our Political Science students reach to explore
different opportunities . . .
Practical experience in fields related to a political science major is an excellent way for students to evaluate their interest in a career, and begin developing the professional skills and contacts that will enhance their marketability when seeking post-graduate employment. Saint Francis offers numerous on and off-campus opportunities.
Campus Activities:
Student Clubs include the Current Affairs Club and the Pre-Law Club. These clubs give students a chance to organize programs, coordinate events, and develop leadership skills.
Mock National Convention, sponsored by the Current Affairs Club, is held during the spring of presidential election years, and is the highlight of many political science students' college careers. Students serve as convention delegates to select a presidential/vice-presidential ticket for the party out of the White House, draft a party platform and participate in other activities that parallel "real" party conventions. Convention speakers have included Sen. Richard Schweiker; Sen. Eugene McCarthy; President Reagan's former campaign manager John Sears; Sen. George McGovern, who spoke in 1992, the 20th anniversary of his nomination by both the Democratic Party and the Saint Francis convention; Dick Thornburgh; and Marlin Fitzwater, press secretary for Presidents Reagan and Bush, who addressed the convention in 2000. Convention tickets have included: Adlai Stevenson-John Kennedy, Nelson Rockefeller-Charles Percy, Jerry Brown-Morris Udall, Gerald Ford-John Anderson, Michael Dukakis-Jesse Jackson, Jerry Brown-Tom Harkin, Bob Dole-Colin Powell, and most recently, John McCain-Elizabeth Dole.
Model United Nations Programs involve "world summits" hosted by Harvard University, Princeton University or the University of Pennsylvania, to which Saint Francis sends delegates to represent an assigned nation. By simulating another country's interests and positions, students learn important lessons about diplomacy, bargaining and compromise. Saint Francis University also hosts a Model United Nations for area high school students.
Moot Court Exercises are sponsored annually by the Pre-Law Club to challenge students studying constitutional law or civil rights and civil liberties to put their knowledge to work in presenting, debating and deciding a hypothetical case, while serving as members of the "United States Supreme Court of Loretto." Saint Francis also sends teams of "attorneys" to participate in moot court programs sponsored by law schools.
Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society sponsors a chapter at Saint Francis University. Our students receive national recognition for their academic achievements.
Off-Campus Opportunities:
Political science students are encouraged to complete internships to gain first-hand, practical experience related to their field of study. Public administration/government service students are required to complete internships. Whether "encouraged" or "required," almost all of our students do, in fact, complete internships. Some of our most popular internship opportunities in Washington are arranged through the Institute for Experiential Learning or through the Washington Center. Some of our most popular Harrisburg internships are arranged through the Capital Semester. Internships are also available in the local area. Our undergraduates even have a chance to intern for a federal judge--an impressive placement for an undergraduate.
Many internship opportunities exist at the federal, state, and local levels. Here are a few examples of student placements.
U.S. Department of State
Campaign 2000--Inauguration, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Embassy, Bangladesh
1996 Republican National Convention Houston, TX
1992 Republican National Convention San Diego, CA
1988 Republican Campaign Committee and Presidential Inauguration Staff Washington, D.C.
American Council of Young Political Leaders Washington, D.C.
Cambria County Commissioners Ebensburg, PA
Cambria County Court Administrator's Office Ebensburg, PA
Cambria County District Attorney's Office Ebensburg, PA
Children's Defense Fund Washington, D.C.
Coalition for Scenic Beauty Washington, D.C.
Congressional Youth Leadership Council Washington, D.C.
Environmental Law Institute Washington, D.C.
Federal Task Force for the Homeless Washington, D.C.
Nicaraguan Network Washington, D.C.
Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition Washington, D.C.
Office of Corporation Counsel-Juvenile Division Washington, D.C.
Pennsylvania Dept. of Management Services Harrisburg, PA
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare,
Office of Mental Retardation Harrisburg, PA
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Harrisburg, PA
Senator Bill Bradley's Office Washington, D.C.
Senator Rick Santorum's Office Washington, D.C.
State Representative Rick Geist's Office Altoona, PA
Student National Education Association Washington, D.C.
U.S. Department of Commerce
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Court, Western District of PA Johnstown, PA
Our Political Science students GO FAR . . .
The political science program provides a strong background for the study of law and for graduate study. Students interested in law school are encouraged to explore the Pre-Law Concentration - a specially designed, interdisciplinary program to prepare students for legal studies.
Saint Francis University have earned law degrees from, or are currently enrolled in law school at, the following institutions:
Boston College, Catholic University, University of Dayton, Dickinson College, Duquesne University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Ohio Northern University, Ohio State University, Syracuse University, Temple University, Tulane University, University of Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh, Villanova University, University of Vermont, University of Virginia, Washington and Lee University
Our graduates have also pursued graduate-level studies at the following universities:
Bowling Green University, Johns Hopkins University, Kent State University, Lehigh University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University