Political Science (BA) | Political Science

Program Overview

Political science is one of 海角乱伦社区's most popular majors. Students take courses in American politics, political theory, comparative politics and international relations. The core courses address various topics in American or comparative political systems and institutions, international conflict and civil war, repression and foreign policy.

Degree Offered:

BA in Political Science

BA in Political Science: Legal Studies

BA in Political Science: Global and International Affairs

Minors Offered:

General Politics

American Politics

Comparative Politics

International Relations

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The department has formal ties with three internship programs: the SUNY Brockport Washington Program, the New York Assembly Session Internship and the New York State Senate Undergraduate Sessions Assistant Program. Students have interned in places such as the 海角乱伦社区 offices of U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer; the 海角乱伦社区 office of New York State Sen. Thomas Libous; the Broome County District Attorney鈥檚 office; offices of the Democratic and Republican parties; several county executives' offices across the state; private law firms; and political campaigns at the local, state and national level.

The department offers many opportunities for political science majors to enhance their learning experience.

Coursework

Some course work to consider in your first year:

PLSC 111- Intro to American Politics	American political institutions, processes, behavior, relationships among cultural, legal, social aspects of American political system. Applications to contemporary issues and events.
PLSC 113- Intro to Comparative Politics	Major institutions, processes, policy problems of government and politics in representative, democratic, totalitarian and modernizing political systems.
PLSC 115- Intro to Ideas & Politics	Major types of Western political theory, representative thinkers such as Plato, Hobbes, Mill, Marx. Application of ideas of these and other theorists to contemporary politics
PLSC 117- Introduction to World Politics	Concepts and issues comprising systematic understanding of contemporary world politics; nation-state, sovereignty and nationalism in international system; ideologies, economic imperialism, functions of international law and organizations; changing political and economic relationships; war, violence, deterrence

After You Graduate

The political science major prepares students for graduate study, law school, as well as careers in journalism, business, government and lobbying. Graduates acquire skills that are applicable to a broad range of careers in both government and private organizations including an ability to understand complex arguments, think critically about human political behavior and apply broad concepts systematically to concrete situations. In addition, graduates acquire strong research skills that help them pursue advanced studies to become researchers, professors and teachers.

The following list offers examples of possible career paths that students can pursue:

business consultant
campaign finance analyst
campaign manager
congressional aide
election supervisor
field office manager
intelligence agent
international trade specialist
journalist
legal assistant