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Political Science

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Minor
  • Erie, Pennsylvania
View Curriculum
  • Improve the Future with a Political Science Degree from Gannon University

    Are you an idealist who wants to change the world? Are you intrigued by politics, current events and international affairs? If so, then Gannon’s political science program is for you. Housed in the School of Public Service & Global Affairs, this interactive program will give you the skills, knowledge, conceptual tools and experience to make a mark on the world through meaningful careers in education, foreign service, journalism, nonprofit, politics and more.

    • Gain valuable leadership experience through Model U.N., one of the oldest programs in the country.
    • Learn from faculty who are active scholars in U.S. foreign policy, American politics and presidency, global migration, nationalism and more. 
    • Become well prepared to continue your education in our Master of Public Administration program.

    Political Science Students

    Learn to Lead the Way in Political Science

    • Pursue your interests in American politics, comparative government, international relations or political theory.  
    • Explore complex political theories, practices and institutions and how they shape everyday life.  
    • Develop your own political intellect by engaging in enlightening debates, lectures, research, internships and travel.  

    Experience an Exceptional Learning Environment

    • Gain valuable internship experiences with agencies including city and county government, Democratic and Republican party offices, Erie County Court House offices, and the Washington Center Internship Program. 
    • Pursue courses at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in partial fulfillment of your Gannon course requirements.  
    • Travel to Washington, D.C. for informational interviews and to network with Gannon alumni.  
    • Apply for Fulbright Scholar opportunities in your final year of study.     

    Inspire Your Academic Success

    Gain real-world knowledge through key political science courses including: 

    Road to the White House: Study the history of presidential elections and campaigns; re-enact presidential debates and understand the politics and personalities animating presidential politics from the 18th century until today. 

    U.S. Foreign Policy:  Explore the historical and intellectual foundations of contemporary U.S. foreign policy and apply this knowledge to contemporary foreign policy dilemmas and international crises, as well as issues related to homeland security.

    Special Topics:  Participate in a series of classes that cover topics such as globalization, Model United Nations, totalitarian regimes, nationalism and regional politics in Russia and Asia.

     Political Science Students at Gannon

    Achieve Your Possibilities

    Students will gain a high-quality education and advanced undergraduate research that will enable success in the rigors of graduate school or a profession. Gannon’s political science program students can: 

    • Develop skills necessary for leadership, management, planning and evaluation of government programs and understand policy making and implementation within a local, national or global context.  
    • Continue your education at prestigious law schools and graduate programs such as Villanova University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Pittsburgh.  
    • Earn a mid-career salary of $77,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

     

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Principles of the U.S. Founding & Constitution, functions of the 3 branches of U.S. Government; views/preferences of two main parties in the U.S., and major policy issues debated in contemporary U.S.
  2. How U.S. political system compares with other countries variety of regime types, constitutional arrangements, and an awareness of political trends in other countries.
  3. Basic ideas and major thinkers in Political Theory, characteristics of classical, Christian, modern and postmodern periods, theoretical justification for democracy.
  4. Major actors in international relations (states, UN etc.), a basic history of international relations, different theoretical approaches to international relations, causes of war/peace/competition/cooperation, major trends in contemporary international rel
  5. America’s role in world affairs, and current debates in U.S. foreign policy
Heather Zelcs

Heather Zelcs Political Science

“The program’s inter-professional collaboration has provided signifcant networking connections that have helped me access valuable career advice from those working in the field.”

  • Receive hands-on learning through real-world courses, projects and valuable internship experiences that prepare you to become a professional in the field.
  • 13:1Enjoy a personalized experience inspired by Gannon’s faculty experts and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
  • Apply for generous financial aid packages and scholarship awards.