Undergraduate Programs

Political Science combines up-to-date scholarship, personal attention, excellent teaching, and many opportunities to learn outside the classroom.

The major is broad and deep, givng students a foundation for their study of politics and opportunities to enhance their education. Political Science offers over 50 different courses each semester with extensive offerings in American Politics, International Relations, Comparitive Politics , and Political Theory. Students choose from a large number of courses and also take an ample number of classes in their area of interest.

An understanding of Political Science equips students with a strong base knowledge and with the tools of political analysis. At the same time,Political Science connects with other disciplines and gives coherence and direction to undergradutae study.

Life After Graduation

A major in political science prepares students for a wide variety of vocations -indeed, the faculty's goal is to prime students for lifetime of learning and accomplishment, rather than to teach the skills needed for a particular entry-level job. Political Science majors write well, artuiculate ideas clearly, research thoroughly, and understand the workings of government , other countries, and international affairs.

Prepared for Graduate School

After graduation , many Political science majors move on to advanced study of some sort, using their education not as job training but as a foundation that will help them discover and develop their interests. Many go directly to law school, to master's programs in public policy or foreign affairs, or to Ph.D. programs in Political science. Others complete a year or two of volunteer service or work in the private or public sector. They allow their experiences to inform their decisions to pursue graduate school.

Pursuing Success in a Variety of Careers

Not limited by the beltway in their search for employement , Political Science majors enjoy success in a variety of careers. They become respected journalists as well as ambassadors, corporate Web editors as well as assistants to members of Congress. Many become journalists , teachers, military officers, or volunteers with the Peace Corps.

Career Ideas from the Political Science Association

The following is a selected list of academic opportunities, beyond formal courses, that are available to political science students.

The Carl Albert Public Internship Program
Offers internships in state agencies in a variety of capacities. Undergraduates are employed for one or two academic semesters, and graduate students are employed for six months to two years. Following acceptance of applications by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), students are responsible for finding their own positions by contacting agencies themselves. Salaries vary.

Henry Bellmon Leadership Intern Program
Named for the former Oklahoma governor and U.S. senator whose personal example of charitable leadership has left a legacy in his state and nation, the Bellmon program will assist students at OSU in completing a government internship in Washington, D.C, or at a state or federal agency located in Oklahoma.

Study Abroad
Every year a number of political science students take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered by the University to study in foreign colleges and universities for academic credit.

Honors Program
Qualified students may combine a major in political science with participation in the University Honors Program.

Pi Sigma Alpha (See More Information)
Students with strong academic records are invited to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary society, and to participate in its scholarly activities.

Independent Study
Undergraduates who have good academic records and who wish to focus their efforts in studying a topic in greater depth than may be possible in regular courses may engage in a concentrated reading, research, and writing project under the supervision of a faculty member. Such projects normally carry one to three academic credits. Registration for independent study is subject to approval by the faculty sponsor and the department.