Department of Political Science

Kelly-Woessner (Chair), Kopko, McClellan, McDonald, Ozkanca

For more information, please visit the Department’s website or check your course syllabi, which are available through the course instructor or at the High Library.

The Department of Political Science is dedicated to promoting scholarship, leadership and civic involvement. Grounded in the liberal arts, the Political Science major exposes students to the principal subfields of the discipline – American government, comparative government, international relations, political theory, public administration, public policy and research methods – and develops writing, oral expression, and analytical and critical thinking skills.

A major in Political Science prepares students for careers in law, public administration, management, campaigns and elections, issue advocacy, communications, the diplomatic corps and many other exciting fields in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Beyond its worth in career terms, the study of politics and government can lead to more effective pursuit of a person’s political interests as a civic responsibility or as an avocation.

Majors Offered

The Department offers a major in Political Science . It also contributes to several interdisciplinary programs, including Social Studies Certification and Political Philosophy and Legal Studies .

For information about the American University Washington Semester Program, students should contact Dr. Simes. For internship opportunities in Harrisburg through the Department’s Capital Semester Internship Program (PS 471 ), students should contact Dr. Kelly-Woessner.

Minor Offered

The Department of Political Science offers a Political Science minor . It also contributes to several interdisciplinary minors, including International Studies and Women and Gender Studies .

Honors in the Discipline

The Department participates in the College Honors in the Discipline Program. For guidelines, students should consult with Dr. Kelly-Woessner, Department Honors Coordinator.