You’ll gain a broad understanding of politics in the current world context of continuity and change.
Overview
Organized around guided flexibility, our program offers a core of knowledge to help prepare you for a career in political science, government or law — along with the freedom to explore your own areas of interest.
The department emphasizes the global nature of the contemporary political world — characterized by the deepening interdependence among nations and regions, as well as a blend of cultures and political systems. Students will study the political behavior of leaders, citizens and social groups the formal institutions that carry out public policy, while developing an understanding of the hows and whys of governing.
Join SUNY Oswego’s Political Science Club. Get politically involved with the Student Association or different student organizations. Work individually with faculty on areas of particular interest to you. Choose among many opportunities to study abroad — either for short periods as part of a class or in semester, summer or year-long programs.
Earn up to 12 semester hours of credit working as an assistant in local government or citizens’ organizations, state agencies, the state legislature in Albany -- or in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Congress, the White House or the Supreme Court, as well as non-governmental organizations. Internship placements are also available abroad. Excel, and you could be inducted into the Oswego chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.
Curriculum
Bachelor of Arts
Outcomes
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the organization and functioning of systems of government and politics in the United States and other regions of the world
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the major subfields of the discipline and the most important theoretical controversies in each
- Demonstrate the ability to discuss current political issues from the point of view of political theory
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct basic research that integrates concepts of political science with real-world situations
- Demonstrate an ability to successfully relate your coursework to the world of work and civic responsibility by cultivating curiosity for further study or professional experience in the political arena
Career Opportunities
- Lawyer
- Policy analyst
- Civil servant
- Foreign service
- Journalism
- Lobbyist
- Business
During my time at SUNY Oswego I had the opportunity to intern with United States Senator Charles Schumer.
I would say my political science assignments have helped shape me as a writer more than anything. The questions that I have had to consider when writing these papers are very challenging, and writing the papers really helped develop my critical and analytical thinking skills further.
Political science is thought provoking and the subject matter is something I’m genuinely interested in. The research opportunities on campus are great chances to get in the field.
Both Political Science and Global and International Studies have gotten me to look at the world and to see the broader implications of decisions and policies.
Program Resources
The Oswego Guarantee
- Timely course offerings
- High touch connections to alumni
- Small student to faculty ratio
- Limited room & board increases each year
Study Abroad
Take classes and participate in internships while immersing yourself in all that region has to offer.
Get Involved
The Political Science Department offers many ways to get involved on campus outside of academics. Join the Political Science Club or Pi Sigma Alpha, a national honors society for political science students.
Faculty-Led Courses
This unique programs allows students to spend a few weeks studying a course topic before traveling to their destination abroad to experience what they learned in person, on location.
Internships
Learn what it's like to work in a professional setting while still in school.