You’ll gain a broad understanding of politics in the current world context of continuity and change.
Organized around guided flexibility, our program offers a core of knowledge to help prepare you for a career in political science, government or law — along with the freedom to explore your own areas of interest.
The department emphasizes the global nature of the contemporary political world — characterized by the deepening interdependence among nations and regions, as well as a blend of cultures and political systems. Students will study the political behavior of leaders, citizens and social groups the formal institutions that carry out public policy, while developing an understanding of the hows and whys of governing.
Join SUNY Oswego’s Political Science Club. Get politically involved with the Student Association or different student organizations. Work individually with faculty on areas of particular interest to you. Choose among many opportunities to study abroad — either for short periods as part of a class or in semester, summer or year-long programs.
Earn up to 12 semester hours of credit working as an assistant in local government or citizens’ organizations, state agencies, the state legislature in Albany -- or in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Congress, the White House or the Supreme Court, as well as non-governmental organizations. Internship placements are also available abroad. Excel, and you could be inducted into the Oswego chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.
During my time at SUNY Oswego I had the opportunity to intern with United States Senator Charles Schumer. This had a great impact on my education because it showed me how to apply things that I learned in the classroom in a real life situation and it gave me the opportunity to enhance my writing and public speaking skills.
I would say my political science assignments have helped shape me as a writer more than anything. The questions that I have had to consider when writing these papers are very challenging, and writing the papers really helped develop my critical and analytical thinking skills further.
Political science is thought provoking and the subject matter is something I’m genuinely interested in. The research opportunities on campus are great chances to get in the field.
Both Political Science and Global and International Studies have gotten me to look at the world and to see the broader implications of decisions and policies. Where I would've seen a policy employed by the United States and criticized it based on its effect domestically, I am now able to analyze these policies and see their effect on the global scale.
Take classes and participate in internships while immersing yourself in all that region has to offer.
The Political Science Department offers many ways to get involved on campus outside of academics. Join the Political Science Club or Pi Sigma Alpha, a national honors society for political science students.
Travel with Oswego faculty to explore writing and storytelling across cultures. Courses abroad combine creative practice with immersive global experiences, expanding your perspective as both a writer and a reader.
Learn what it's like to work in a professional setting while still in school.