Political Science

Political science is characterized by Aristotle as the “Queen of the Sciences.” He said the study of politics was the capstone of the social sciences, as it integrates the knowledge of all other fields. To understand politics, one has to be able to apply and integrate knowledge of institutions, economics, business, society, psychology, human behavior, religion and philosophy as well as the physical and applied sciences. Truly, the politician and the student of politics must be broadly educated individuals.
 

Our Degree Program

The University of Evansville’s Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in political science are well integrated with the University’s general degree requirements. In addition to basic courses required of each major, students may choose to emphasize American politics or political thought and theory. A minor field of study may be created in other departments such as philosophy, religion, sociology, business, economics, psychology, international studies or foreign languages.

Pre-Law

Students who are looking for a course of study to prepare them for law school don’t need to limit their majors to political science. Law schools want students who can critically analyze situations. Pre–law students can major in English, history, international studies, business, philosophy or several other majors and are assigned a pre-law advisor along with their academic advisor to help prepare them for law school. Recent University of Evansville graduates have been admitted to an impressive array of law schools, including Indiana University, University of Virginia, Washington and Lee University, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan and Vanderbilt University.

Career

Students who study politics today can look forward to career positions in national, state or local government service, law, private interest groups and associations, business, campaign management and polling, journalism, teaching and research. These careers are increasingly international in scope.

Experience

Political science students are encouraged to study abroad either at the University’s Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, or at one of more than 100 other institutions around the world with which UE has academic cooperation agreements.

Work Experience

Political science and pre-law students may gain practical work experience serving as interns in such diverse areas as international relations, comparative politics, government offices, international organizations and the local courts. Another opportunity is to be a part of the externship program in which they spend a week with UE alumni learning about their field of work.

Preparing for the Future

Increasing use of computer-aided instruction in the department’s courses prepares students for graduate school, law school or other careers. The University introduces the use of computers and basic statistical analysis to fresh men. Sophomores use computers and learn their utility in the department’s research methods course. Juniors and seniors are expected to use computer analysis in producing research papers.

Beyond the Campus

The Department of Law, Politics and Society has sponsored student field trips to conventions, career programs and study seminars. Students have attended conferences in Washington, D.C., to study the presidency, and each year UE students participate in the New United Nations in Indianapolis. Other conferences such as Principia’s World Affairs Conference has brought students together from around the country to study international problems.

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For Further Information, Contact:

Dr. Wesley Milner
Director of International Studies Program
Department of Law, Politics, and Society
1800 Lincoln Ave.
Evansville, IN 47722

(812) 488-2986
wm23@evansville.edu