A profile of the Political Science Department
Understanding and
analyzing the political
world
Wittenberg’s comprehensive political
science program includes the study
of political theory, foreign and
public policy, international relations,
governmental structures and political
parties. To provide students with the
opportunity to focus their studies in
a particular area, we have divided the
curriculum into four concentration
areas: comparative politics, international
relations, political theory and law, and
American politics.
As a student of political science, you
will work with an adviser to choose an
area of concentration and select courses
from related academic areas, such as
economics, history, social psychology,
geography or sociology, to create a
program that best suits your academic
and career goals.
Many of our students study abroad
or participate in summer internships,
both in the United States and abroad,
to broaden their knowledge of political
and governmental structures and
processes, and gain valuable career
experience. For example, internship
placements in Washington, D.C.,
available each year, are extremely
popular and offer unparalleled
experience.
Degrees offered
B.A.: Political Science
Minor: Political Science
Courses
Area I: Comparative Politics
Exploring the political systems of
North America, Western Europe,
Russia and East Asia, these courses aim
to give students an understanding of a
variety of political structures, policies
and histories.
Area II: International Relations
These courses examine international
relations among major industrial
nations, as well as the foreign policies
of the United States, Russia, China and
Japan.
Area III: Political Theory and Law
In these courses, students examine a
variety of political philosophies from
ancient to modern, as well as the
American judicial system. Topics also
include family values and feminist
theory.
Area IV: American Politics
Courses
in this area provide a comprehensive
examination of the American
political system, from state and local
governments and the presidency to
public policy and public administration.
Topics include urban politics, black
politics, the media, campaigns and
elections, and the U.S. Congress.
Gain experience
Students may choose from a variety of
opportunities to gain important handson
experience, including:
- Local internships with the Common Pleas Court judges, the Planning Commission, the City Manager, police department, law firms, social welfare agencies or in political campaigns.
- Wittenberg Local Government Management Internship Program
This nine-week summer program is designed to give students professional management experience in local government by integrating classroom theory and hands-on opportunities. Recent sites include Fernandina Beach, FL, Chippewa Falls and Eau Clair County, WI, and Meredith, N.H.
- Internship experiences in the Lutheran College Washington D.C. Semester Program include: the White House, executive agencies, interest groups, media organizations and Capitol Hill. Recent sites include the White House, ABC - Primetime Live, the Attorney General’s Office, the Institute for Mental Health Initiatives and the D.C. Superior Court Social Services.
- Study/work abroad: Several political science majors have recently served as interns with members of the Irish and British parliaments and the U.S. Embassy in Belarus. Our political science students have also studied in academic programs in Austria, China, England, France, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Denmark, Sweden and other countries.
Colloquia
The department annually sponsors a series of presentations by distinguished speakers on timely and relevant topics, including:- Positioning Ohio for the 21st Century: Globalization, New Frontiers and the Future, presented by Lt. Governor of Ohio Lee Fisher
- Preparation, Partnership, Success, presented by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner
- Global Warming: Science or Religion?, presented by Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski
- The Essential Role of Federal, State and Community Partnerships in Achieving Ohio’s Public Health Goals, presented by Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Alvin Jackson
Placement
Many political science majors pursue employment upon graduation. Some of their first jobs include:
- U.S. Department of State, Foreign Service Officer
- National Republican Congressional Committee, direct response production assistant
- Westfield Companies, marketing manager
- Congressman Dave Hobson’s District Office, caseworker
- Paine Webber, investment executive
- U.S. Department of Justice, information specialist
- Senator Richard Lugar, staff assistant
- Transportation Management Association, Delaware County, executive director
- Metropolitan Human Services Commission, human services planner
- Carnegie Capital Asset Management Co., securities analyst
Some students pursue graduate studies in programs such as international studies, journalism, political science, public administration and public policy. Recent graduate schools attended include:
- George Washington University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Loyola University of Chicago
- Northeastern University
- The Ohio State University
- Syracuse University
- University of Kansas
- University of Wisconsin
- Washington University
Our graduates enjoy a 90 to 100 percent acceptance rate to law school, and have attended schools such as:
- Capital University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Harvard University
- Indiana University
- Ohio Northern University
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Dayton
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Virginia
Get involved
Model United Nations Club: The purpose of this club is to foster learning about the U.N. and to provide a forum for discussion of international issues.
Pi Sigma Alpha: This honors society is open to political science students. Its goal is to encourage scholarship in political science and organize activities for its members and the entire department, which bring about greater student-faculty interaction.
Pre-Law Association: This group is for students interested in law school. Speakers discuss law and the law school application process.
Student Democrats and College Republicans: These political party organizations sponsor speakers and work on election campaigns.
| Office of Admission and Financial Aid Recitation Hall West Ward at North Wittenberg Post Office Box 720 Springfield, OH 45501-0720 Email: admission@wittenberg.edu Phone: (877) 206-0332 Fax: (937) 327-6379 |
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