Political Science
Be a Changemaker
Political science is dynamic, constantly evolving field. In Elizabethtown College's Political Science program, we match that dynamism by combining traditional classroom studies with research projects, prestigious fellowships, and internships that lead to successful careers. From faculty-student research projects to off-campus opportunities, such as Model UN and the EU simulations, our students are able to immerse themselves in their field. Our small class sizes and high faculty to student ratio means that every student is guaranteed at least two opportunities to work with a faculty mentor on an independent research project. Every political science student presents at least once at a regional conference to refine their public speaking skills and prepare them for successful careers.
Etown graduates are making an impact on the local, state, and global levels with lasting careers in government, the non-profit sector, and private firms.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Political Science?
A Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science leads to exciting careers in federal, state, or local government; international and nonprofit organizations; survey research and polling; electoral politics; journalism; public relations; research; and university and college teaching. Etown graduates have gone on to work at The Governor's Office, The White House, and in a wide range of agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations.
The Law Early Admissions Program (LEAP)
The Law Early Admissions Program (LEAP) is a 3+3 or 4+3 cooperative express admissions program which allows qualified students to complete core requirements, earn a bachelor's degree at Elizabethtown College and gain automatic acceptance to Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Duquesne University School of Law, Widener University Delaware Law School, or Widener University Commonwealth Law School.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Intern at the State capital
Our proximity to Pennsylvania's state capital of Harrisburg opens doors to coveted internships, field trips, and partnerships with the Capital Semester internship program, and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program.
A DIVERSE CURRICULUM
A Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science introduces the students to the principal fields of the discipline, including: American government, comparative government, political psychology, international relations, political theory, public administration, and research methods. Political Science is a flexible major, allowing students to add a second major in legal studies, communications, public health, or a range of other disciplines.
Learn from the best
Etown offers intentionally small class sizes so that our students can work closely with faculty. Students often present research, co-author op-eds and defend their own legislation with the help of faculty. Our award-winning Political Science faculty have published books, completed fellowships and have even been recognized by The American Political Science Association as teacher of the year.
Political Science Minor
With a Political Science Minor from Etown, students will gain a broader understanding of a variety of topics relevant to current affairs in American government and politics abroad. Political Science minors will study the history of the presidency and various political parties, the national agenda, the federal government’s role in foreign affairs, and current political events. Students will develop their knowledge through a customizable curriculum that will allow them to develop a solid foundation in the general principals of modern politics and then choose their own path with various Political Science electives.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our students are immersed in experiential learning through on-campus clubs and organizations, study-abroad opportunities, internships, research and practicums. Students have multiple opportunities to gain experience and knowledge about other cultures while studying political and philosophical ideas.
Fellowships
Etown Political Science students secure more competitive Pa. state fellowships and internships than students from any other institution in our region! The Finnegan Fellowship provides students with a 10-week paid summer internship where they will work with executive agencies in Harrisburg and provides them with access to state officials. The Pennsylvania Legislative Fellowship is a full-time paid internship where past Etown students have actually written legislation that has been passed into law. Our students also have access to the McClellan Fund which is a grant that supports students who want to pursue unpaid summer internships.
Experiences Across the world
Experiential learning is the foundation of our mission to promote scholarship, leadership, and responsible citizenship. All of our majors are required to complete an off-campus experiential study program for course credit. Our proximity to Pennsylvania's state capital opens the doors to coveted government internships, while our affiliation with several international programs affords the opportunity to study abroad for a semester.
Capital Semester Internship Program
Queen's University's Bader International Study Centre at Herstmonceux Castle
BCA Study Abroad
Elizabethtown College Oxford University Summer Program
Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program
Other Opportunities
Students of any major with an interest in law, politics, or topics of philosophical concern, can participate in a number of student-run organizations sponsored by the Politics, Philosophy, and Legal Studies disciplines including: Mock Trial Club, Law Club, College Democrats, College Republicans, Pi Sigma Alpha, and Philosophy Club. The Center for Community and Civic Engagment offers students additional opportunities within the field of community development.
International Studies Minor
Political Science Majors may have interest in an International Studies Minor. The International Studies Minor is designed for students looking to enter international careers in an increasingly globalized world. It is an interdisciplinary minor, composed of a cluster of foreign culture, language and international affairs courses with a largely contemporary focus. For further information, contact the International Studies Minor Advisor, Dr. Oya Ozkanca, Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Legal Studies.
Students who complete this program may prepare for the following careers:
- Foreign Service
- Intergovernmental Organizations
- Non-governmental Organizations
- The private sector
- Academia
- Journalism