History/Political Science Majors and Faculty at the Department Fall Social on October 30, 2008.
What is Political Science?
Political science has been defined as the study of "who gets what, when, and how." It involves the study of government institutions, political parties, and public policy, as well as the study of the behavior of individuals, interest groups, and social movements in the pursuit of their interests or their vision of justice.
Political science also involves the study of international relations and foreign policy. Matters of war and peace, patterns of conflict and cooperation among countries, how countries determine their national interests, and how they pursue their interests are just some of the concerns of political scientists who study international relations.
It is important for all citizens in a democracy to learn how their political system operates. The political system affects all people in direct and profound ways. Taxes are raised. Wars are declared. The Social Security system is revised. A new highway is built through the middle of your neighborhood. A public school is closed. All educated people should know something of the nature of government and politics and should prepare themselves for the responsibilities of citizenship.
Why Study Political Science at Saint Francis University?
Flexibility in meeting your unique, individual needs: Our program is structured yet flexible, emphasizing a solid foundation in the core theories and research methods of political science, with opportunities to specialize and expand upon areas of individual interest. If you have special interests, needs or career objectives, there is a good chance that you will be able to find what you are looking for at Saint Francis University. You are only limited by your imagination.
- You may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and use your electives as you wish.
- You may pursue a second major in computer science, or English, or history, or psychology, or business, or any other major offering.
- You may choose to specialize in one of three concentrations: pre-law, political communications, or international studies.
Take advantage of the Duquesne University School of Law Early Admissions Program, which allows qualified students to enroll in law school after three years at Saint Francis University. You can save time and money.
You may obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science/secondary education to earn your teaching certification.
You may also choose to pursue an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in public administration/government service.
A minor in political science is also available.
A commitment to student-centered learning: Our teachers are here for you and are committed to student learning and success. We will help you design your program of study, choosing the right combination of courses to meet your needs and interests. We will guide you through independent research projects as you hone your research and analytical skills. Specialized advising is available for students interested in internships, law school, graduate school, or study abroad. A favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 within the major puts the average class size in advanced courses at fewer than ten students. This allows for close interaction between students and faculty. At Saint Francis University, you will know your professors and they will know you. If you want individual attention, come here. If you would prefer to "hide out," you should go somewhere else.
A talented and experienced faculty: Full-time faculty members teach most courses. Highly qualified visiting professors also supplement our course offerings. For example, former Congressman Bud Shuster teaches Legislative Process. Our faculty is a unique combination of scholars and practitioners, exposing students to both the theories and methods of political science and the practice of politics, law and policymaking.
An ethics-based approach: In contrast with many other political science programs, a core objective of our major is to cultivate thoughtful, responsible, and ethical conduct in the context of politics, government, and the law. To that end all majors take a core course, Ethics and Public Policy, an exploration of the ethical dilemmas in the practice of politics and policymaking from classical and contemporary perspectives.
For additional information on the political science program at Saint Francis University, contact:
Dr. Mark C. Gentry, Interim Chairperson
Department of History and Political Science
Saint Francis University
P.O. Box 600
Loretto, PA 15940-0600
(814)472-3059
mgentry@francis.edu
Pardon our dust. The political science web site is undergoing renovation.
Check back often for new information and updates.