Why Study Politics and Government?
Delve into the politics and government of the United States and countries around the world. Political science courses cover topics such as the environment, civil rights, socialism, conservatism and other contemporary issues.
Students study a challenging, intensive curriculum that reflects a concern with the improvement of local, national and global communities. As a politics and government major, you will:
Learn and collaborate with involved faculty in small classes. We do not use graduate teaching assistants, which means that your classes will be taught by politics and government faculty. Faculty members are fully engaged in politics in the public sphere, and often comment in the media, or write opinion pieces and essays for publications in the U.S. and around the world.
Participate in local and national internships. Many of our politics and government majors participate in internships, most commonly in the Oregon Legislature or congressional offices in Washington, D.C. Other possible internship sites include social-service agencies, government agencies, interest groups, or law firms. Internships for credit involve close collaboration with a faculty advisor.
Benefit from the program’s strong ties to Pacific’s Tom McCall Center for Civic Engagement. Political science students participate in activities with the nonpartisan McCall Center, which conducts awareness campaigns, service work, and acts of civic engagement.
What Can You Do with a Politics and Government Degree?
Politics and government graduates work in state and local government as well as in embassies and nongovernmental organizations around the world. They serve members of Congress, manage political campaigns, work as lobbyists and political consultants, fight for justice inside non-profit organizations, teach English overseas and pursue graduate studies in a variety of areas. Some participate in the Fulbright Scholar Program.
While the politics and government program provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in political science and law, the primary focus of the department is to foster well-rounded citizens with a deep understanding of many issues. Graduates are skilled critical thinkers and communicators who are prepared to lead communities, work for nonprofit organizations, and help with campaigns and businesses.
Dondero Internship Fellowship
Funded by former students of Dr. Russ Dondero, this fellowship offers funding to current students to help with internship costs. Winners of the fellowship receive awards ranging from $100 to $1,500 to offset transportation, housing, and other costs that are necessary to take part in an internship.
