Political Science (B.A., B.S.)
Indiana State University
Description:
The University offers a bachelor of arts (B.A.) and a bachelor of science (B.S.) in political science.
The political science major is ideal for students interested in careers in public affairs, government, politics, community service, or journalism.
The major requires a core of political science courses plus electives each student selects, based on his or her personal interest and career intentions. Courses in the five major fields of political science—American politics, political theory, public law, comparative politics, and international relations—allow for a wide range of course selection. Capstone courses integrate and enrich each student's program of study.
The Department of Political Science provides students with a rewarding academic experience in and out of the classroom.
- As freshmen, students have the opportunity to be part of a student-centered learning
community for political science students. Throughout their college careers, students attend small- to
medium-sized classes taught by full-time, award-winning faculty members.
- As undergraduates, students have opportunities for faculty-directed research, both during the academic year
and in the summer, on diverse subjects from public law and American politics to international affairs.
Students also participate in faculty-organized field studies throughout the year.
- Opportunities to apply course work and develop careers include an aggressive internship program with
local, state, national, and international placements, some of which are eligible for support funds from the University.
- Service-learning opportunities also are available through internships with public service organizations and the private sector. Co-curricular opportunities to enrich the
academic experience include field study in Washington, D.C.; study abroad; on-campus events; community engagement;
and service learning integrated into the academic curriculum.
- Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, has a chapter at Indiana State.
It is the only honor society for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students of political science
and government in the United States.
- Students have the opportunity to become involved in community situations through programs like the Hull House (Chicago, Illinois) service learning trip, organized volunteer efforts at local community centers, facilitation of essay contests on critical social issues in the local middle and high schools, and many community engagement opportunities integrated into the curriculum.
Required Courses:
Careers:
Political science graduates are well-trained academically and experientially for productive careers in state, local, and federal government; business; law; consulting; journalism; communication; international organizations; international business and government; finance; polling; campaign management; public and community service; and non-governmental organizations.
In addition, graduates are prepared for graduate or professional studies in political science, public administration, international affairs, and law.
Accreditation:
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Students have many sources of financial support for their studies, including financial aid, work-study programs, veterans' benefits, and special scholarships for entering freshmen and transfer students.
In addition, the Department of Political Science offers several scholarships and awards, including the Johnson Memorial Scholarship, the Gilfoy Memorial Scholarship, the Harader Memorial Scholarship, and the Dowell Memorial Award. For more information about these awards, contact the department.
Further Information:
Department of Political Science
Indiana State University
812-237-2430
www.indstate.edu/polisci
The Catalog of Indiana State University is the document of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalog supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.
Last updated 8 June 2009