The Department of Political Science has as its main objective educating students to the political concerns of society. The coursework covers the wide range of topics associated with the discipline, and provides solid preparation for such career choices as graduate school, law school, business, journalism, education and public service. To facilitate academic focus the department offers 4 concentrations (Pre-Law, Public Service, International Relations/ Comparative Politics and General Study). Whatever career path is chosen, however, the department’s primary mission is to prepare students for a life of active and informed citizenship.
Students majoring in political science must choose a concentration with the advice and consent of the departmental advisor. Each of the department’s five concentrations provides rigorous training with emphasis on the skills needed to prepare
for careers after graduation. The Pre-Law concentration offers students a well-rounded curriculum focused on critical thinking and analytic skills, which prepares students for Law School or for graduate work related to the academic study of law. The Public Service concentration prepares students for careers at all levels of public administration and policy-making. The International Relations/Comparative Politics concentration offers training in the dynamic issues of international affairs and prepares students for careers in diplomacy, foreign service, international organizations or any other careers that requires knowledge of international issues.
In keeping with Le Moyne’s Jesuit heritage and our nation’s democratic creed, the faculty of the department is committed in our various courses, classes and pedagogical methods to the following goals: (1) development of critical thinking skills, (2) growth in values awareness, (3) development of decision-making skills, (4) sensitizing of students to the role of power and pervasiveness of politics, (5) development
of political skills and (6) the combined use of these skills for possible future public service, whether local, state, national or international. As part of our commitment to these objectives, the department requires that majors complete one of the following practical experiences: two (2) credit hours of service learning, an internship, a study abroad experience or a similar practical experience to be decided in consultation with the department chair (for a minimum of 2 credit hours). These experiences are designed to link the students’ academic learning with real world experiences of citizenship.