Department of Social Sciences Political Science Mission Statement Objectives Courses Minor Career Opportunities Internship Contact

Political Science Major: Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Political Science Program seeks to provide major and minor course offerings and other services to students of Shaw University that prepare them for public affairs, legal and international careers. Other services include providing learning experiences that prepare students to advance into graduate and professional programs. Students that major or minor in the program will acquire the necessary skills to grow as independent thinkers, political analysts, and global citizens.

Student-centered objectives are to improve

Political Science Major Core (33 hours; passing grade: C)

Students desiring to minor in political science must complete 15 credit hours or five courses which are to be selected in consultation with their advisor. Students must make a "C" or better in those courses.

There are many career opportunities in the field of political science. These include careers in business, the law, state, local and federal government, journalism, international organizations and finance, political campaigns, interest groups and associations, and pre-college and college teaching. The political science program also provides preparation for electoral politics, community organizations, elected or appointed positions in government.

Internships

The Political Science Program places a great deal of emphasis on service learning and internships; therefore, majors are required to do at least one internship (3 hrs.). No more than 12 internship hours may be applied to the major. Political science majors have been placed in internships with various government agencies, law firms, party offices and other political organizations. Some of the internship programs where students will have an opportunity to be placed are listed below:

- The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars

Washington, DC

Students are encouraged to be involved in civic activities in both the campus and community. Consequently, majors and minors participate in political forums, panel discussions, local and statewide campaigns. Political science majors are also involved in survey research projects.

In order to prepare students for law school, the political science program provides students with the necessary skills and background information to succeed with admission to and graduation from law school. Political science advisors encourage majors/minors to take courses that enhance analytical, critical thinking and communication skills, and ethical and aesthetic values that are important for the student seeking success in law. Political science advisors also provide annual trips to the Law Forum that are sponsored by the Law School Admissions Council. Majors/minors are also encouraged to participate in preparatory courses and simulated GRE, GMAT and LSAT examinations as an effort to increase their chances for a high score on such examinations.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Elaine H. Yarborough, Associate Professor of Political Science

Coordinator, Political Science/International Relations Programs

Department of Social Sciences

Shaw University

(919) 546-8375

Fax (919) 546-8387

Email: eyarborough@shawu.edu