Department of Political Science
Our world is constantly changing. Political science enables you to study how governments make decisions that affect the world.
At its core, we examine who makes these decisions and who benefits (and loses) from government policies. A degree in political science will provide you with critical thinking and writing skills necessary to navigate, understand and even control the political world.
A major in political science becomes a good foundation for a variety of fields, including law, government service, politics, journalism, mass communications, teaching, community service, planning and even private business. Some use political science as a second major or a minor to complement majors in economics, mass communications, geography and English, while others are attracted to a political science emphasis in the comprehensive social studies program leading to a degree in secondary education.
BU offers courses in all the major fields of political science to acquire a thorough understanding of the art, science, theories, processes and structures of governments and politics. The importance of government and politics (locally, nationally and internationally) clearly points to political science as a critical element in the liberal education of any college student.
Advanced courses are offered to pursue in-depth study and specialized subject matter to serve as a foundation for careers in politics, law, public administration, community service, international relations, criminal justice, communications or teaching. All courses attempt to develop your ability to read carefully, communicate effectively, think critically, analyze logically and research thoroughly. A balance is sought between abstract concepts on the one hand and concrete applications on the other. Field work and internships give you an opportunity to apply what you have learned in the classroom to the realities of everyday work.
Why political science?
Our recent graduates have found work in government, whether for the Federal Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Philadelphia, as a legislative aide for a PA state senator, or for an interest group that attempts to influence our elected leaders. One of our former students was elected to the Bloomsburg Town Council and then was twice elected the Mayor of Bloomsburg. He became the youngest mayor in town history!
Department Chairperson
Peter Doerschler | pdoersch@bloomu.edu
Department Secretary
Joyce Bielen | jbielen@bloomu.edu
215 Bakeless Center
570-389-4246
Fax 570-389-2094
Political Science Minor
A total of 18 semester hours (six courses) is required for a minor in political science. In order to graduate with a minor in political science, students must complete U.S. Government (Polisci 120) and Nations, States, Government (Polisci 360), plus any four additional political science courses. Students should consider building a minor around one of the subfields of political science: namely, American politics, comparative government, international politics, political theory and law.
The Washington Center
Moving to a city as large and fast-paced as Washington, D.C., for a semester can be a huge leap for any college student but for Deanna Campion, it was a welcomed challenge. Campion, a senior political science major, is interning with the Coalition for Juvenile Justice this fall through The Washington Center.
“I chose this internship, because their views on social justice issues align closely with mine,” Campion said. “I would be proud to work for an organization that fights for people who may not be able to do so on their own.”
