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Political Science, Public Administration, and Philosophy

Political Science

Political science majors are some of the most articulate and dynamic students at USI. They acquire experience in campaign, legislative and nonprofit internships. Our graduates have taken jobs at all levels of government and in politics, law, business, nonprofit sector, education, and media. The skills acquired during the program will prepare you to be a positive force for change in our society no matter your chosen career path.

The political science major offers two concentrations of study: Government, Law and Diplomacy (GLAD) and Public and Nonprofit Administration (PNPA). Each student will select a concentration. A student may earn a second concentration by adding a minimum of 12 unique hours not previously applied to the major/concentration. The program offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree options. For those wishing to pursue graduate-level education, the department also offers a Master of Public Administration.

Choose a major concentration:


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Philosophy

Philosophy majors are some of the best regarding analytical, critical thinking, verbal, and quantitative reasoning skills. The courses in the philosophy major teach students to think logically, critically, and ethically. Philosophy majors are appreciated on the job market for their portable skills and occupy top positions in business and government. Their higher than average scores on standardized tests like LSAT, GMAT and GRE facilitates excellent admission to law school and graduate schools. Philosophy majors pursue a variety of careers, such as law, health professions, local, state, and federal government, business, and science.

Students pursue a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. The latter, requiring 12 hours of a non-English modern or classical language, is preferable for those interested in more advanced degrees.

Pre-Law and Legal Studies Minors

Students interested in legal careers can gain valuable experience by completing the interdisciplinary minor programs in pre-law and legal studies. The pre-law minor is aimed at students who wish to attend a law school. The legal studies minor is aimed at students who wish to pursue legal careers that do not require a law degree (such as paralegals).

Religious Studies Minor

The Religious Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program which brings together courses and faculty from a variety of departments, such as Philosophy, Political Science, History, Economics, English, and Art. The minor will be an excellent complement to any major offered at USI and can enhance career opportunities in such areas as ministry, history, journalism, philosophy, law, psychology, social work, world languages, and international business.

Associate Degree

The department also offers the Associate of Science interdisciplinary degree designed for students who anticipate the need for only two years of college education.

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Opportunities

Advocate/Organizer • Ambassador • Archivist • Association/Nonprofit/Interest Manager or Staffer • Banking, Political Risk Manager • Budget Analyst • Campaign Worker • CIA Agent • City Housing Administrator • City Planner/Manager • Civilian Consultant, Department of Defense • Community Relations Director • Congressional Committee Staff Member • Congressional Office Staff Member • Congressional Research Service • Consultant • Corporate Legislative Issues Manager • Corporate Planning/Public Affairs Manager • Corporate Social Policy • County or City Council Member • County Economic Development Officer • County Treasurer • Development Director • Editor • Education Policy Analyst • Educator/Teacher • Environmental Policy Analyst • Events Planner • FBI Agent • Federal or State Agency Employee • Financial Services • Foreign Affairs Specialist • Foreign Service Officer or U.N. Diplomat • Foundation Employee • Fundraiser • General Accounting Office Evaluator • Government Relations Manager • Grassroots Organizer • Historian • Human Resources Specialist • Human Rights Officer • Import Export Manager • Information Technology Officer • Intelligence Specialist or Analyst • International Business Analyst • International Research Specialist • Journalist • Juvenile Justice Specialist • Labor Relations Specialist • Legal Investigator • Legislative Director/Analyst • Lobbyist • Media Specialist • Mediator • Nonprofit Employee • Interest Group Public Policy Analyst • Paralegal • Parole/Probation Officer • Peace Corps Worker • Police Officer/Administrator • Policy Analyst/Development/Researcher • Political Action Committee • Political Consultant • Political Correspondent • Political Director • Politician • Pollster • Professor • Public Affairs Specialist • Public Interest/Consumer Advocate • Public Policy Analyst • Public Relations • Researcher • Social Services Advocate • State Governor’s Office Staff Member • Strategic Planning Consultant • Trade Policy Analyst • University Administrator • Urban Policy Planner • White House Advisor

Spotlight

Political Science student’s D.C. internship with Congressman Mast

Tommy Kautzman — current political science major and public relations minor at USI — may not yet know the trajectory of his future career in politics, but that does not stop him from seizing every opportunity possible to advance his knowledge and experience in his field. This past summer, Kautzman worked as a Digital Communications Intern for the Office of Congressman Brian Mast in Washington, DC.

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