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Shape Tomorrow's World with Political Science

The Department of Politics and International Affairs is an ideal place to major in political science, preparing students for impactful careers in various fields. Our political science program equips students with critical skills to become informed citizens, policymakers, analysts, and leaders across the state, nation, and world.

Graduates who major in political science find success in politics and policy, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and fields such as law, business, and media. Many alumni are admitted to highly regarded programs in graduate, policy, business, or law schools.

What You'll Gain

When you major in political science, you'll develop:

  • Advanced analytical skills to critically examine complex political systems and global interactions
  • Expertise in research methodologies that are essential for policy analysis and political research
  • Communication abilities to articulate sophisticated political arguments and policy recommendations
  • Leadership capabilities that prepare you for roles in government, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions
  • Comprehensive understanding of political processes, both domestic and international
  • Strategic thinking skills that are highly valued in political science careers and beyond
  • Practical experience through internships and real-world policy engagement opportunities

Our political science program provides diverse learning activities aligned with student interests and career possibilities. Students engage in short-term or semester-long study abroad for academic credit. Internships are available for credit at local to federal levels, with funding support for programs in Albany and Washington D.C.

Many students who major in political science actively participate in Model European Union—in NYC and Brussels—and join Fredonia's continued success in Mock Trial competition, as well as campus leadership. We complement diverse disciplines while enhancing career possibilities for political science majors.

Career Opportunities for Political Science

  • Governmental & public affairs
  • Campaign strategist & management
  • Urban planning & development
  • Public & private law
  • Public policy & analysis
  • Media affairs & public information
  • Non-governmental organization
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What does a 4-year degree look like?

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What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

POLI 120 Politics in American Life

An introduction to how important issues impact and involve us through governmental and political processes, constitutional questions and policy debates, traditional and new media dynamics, as voters and citizens in a representative democracy.

POLI 371 Civil Rights and Liberties

This course explores historical and evolving notions of freedoms and equality in a changing American society, court and political challenges in constitutional interpretation and application across states, the oft-contentious legal, societal and policy debates, as well as trade-offs on critical decisions affecting our own rights and liberties.

POLI 356 US Foreign Policy

This course provides an exploration of the United States’ historical and changing role in international affairs across national security, war, peace and economic relations, and how foreign policy decisions and actions relate to longstanding, current and emerging concerns both domestically and abroad.

Why Politics and International Affairs at Fredonia?

politics and international affairs students pose next to a podium at a government building

Experience

Between internships and study abroad, students gain important experience while actively learning about Politics and International Affairs.

the mock trial team poses with a trophy after winning a competition

Preparation

Students are encouraged to participate in hands-on simulation activities and competition as part of Fredonia’s highly successful mock trial team, or serve as campus delegates and negotiators with students abroad in Model European Union.

caps thrown into the air at commencement

Opportunities

Students can streamline their career pathway in policy and analysis through our BA/MPA partnership with the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, or benefit from our alumni scholarship funds for law school.

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