Students who major or minor in Political Science have a number of opportunities to
engage with fellow students on campus and within their community. Through student
clubs, organizations, and community engagement initiatives, students are given the
chance to diversify their thinking and create positive change in their community and
the larger world.
Through student clubs, organizations, and community engagement initiatives, students
are given the chance to diversify their thinking and create positive change in their
community and the larger world.
Interested in international politics? Political Science students with a passion for
international or comparative politics are strongly encouraged to take advantage of
Duquesne's Study Abroad opportunities.
Student Clubs & Organizations
College Democrats participate in both on- and off-campus activities that allow
students to learn more about key democratic issues and brainstorm with other like-minded
individuals on how to solve those issues. College Democrats hold monthly meetings
where they host guest speakers and watch-parties during election season.
College Republicans is a student organization on campus that advocates for Republican/Conservative
ideas. The goal is to inform and educate students on campus regarding current political
issues. This club assists students in the world of politics, networking opportunities,
and bringing people together for open discussion.
The Migration Club facilitates student engagement with critical issues of social justice
related to human flows at the local, national, and international levels. As a member
of the Migration Club, students will interact with and lead in issues through scholarship,
teaching, and community engagement. The Migration Club is open to students at the
undergraduate and graduate level with the goal of fostering empathy amongst a collective
group of peers, creating bonds between communities, and providing a space for safe
dialogue regarding migration experiences.
The Model UN Council gets together to debate current events within their Council and
with councils at other universities.
Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, is the only honor society
for college and university students of political science in the United States. Each
semester, students who have fulfilled the national society's grade requirements are
invited to join.
The Political Science Club allows for students who are concerned about their community
and the world around them to come and discuss issues in an open forum. The club fosters
intellectual debate and stimulates curiosity for all those interested in politics.
The best way to supplement a student's coursework is to provide an atmosphere in which
they and their peers can debate about esoteric topics and further their thirst for
knowledge.
Internships
Internships are a great way to put your skills learned in the classroom to the test.
Whether it be in politics, government, foreign affairs, homeland security, business,
law, or any other related industry, you will get hands-on experience that will help
you determine a path to take after graduation.
Political Science students can earn up to 6 credits for internship experience completed
during the school year or over the summer. Recent internship sites for Duquesne students
include:
U.S. Department of State
Pittsburgh Department of City Planning
City of Pittsburgh Department of Innovation and Performance
Congressman Mike Doyle
U.S. Senator Bob Casey
PA House of Representatives Fellowship
World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh
Political Science and Law: A Great Combination
Political Science offers some of the best preparation possible for law school and
careers. That's why the majority of law school applicants are Political Science majors.
With challenging courses requiring analytic thinking, persuasive writing, and oral
advocacy, Political Science makes you the strongest possible candidate for law school.
Here are some opportunities to combine Political Science with Law
Political Science majors who concentrate in Law and Politics not only get the
opportunity to take law introduction courses during their undergraduate career, but
can also take up to six credits of internships at law offices. Common courses for the concentration include:
POSC 214: Politics, Religion, and Fundamental Rights
POSC 301: Introduction to Legal Education, the Life of Lawyers and the Legal Profession
POSC 326W: Constitutional Law and Politics: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
POSC 327W: Constitutional Law and Politics: The Powers of Government
POSC 385: International Law and Organization
Students who are not already majoring in Political Science can pick up a minor
in Law & Politics. A minor would be 15 credits of courses that fall under the Law
& Politics concentration. Common courses for the minor include:
POSC 203: The American Congress
POSC 290: American Political Thought
POSC 308: Post Conflict Justice & Reconciliation
POSC 326W: Constitutional Law & Politics: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
POCS 424: Women and Politics
Undergraduate students are given the opportunity to pick up a Pre-Law Certificate
through the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University regardless of their
major. The 15-credit certificate will prepare you for law school, graduate public
policy and foreign affairs programs, political careers and public service opportunities.
The 3+3 program is a unique opportunity for students to gain early access to law
school without a Bachelor's degree. Students in the 3+3 program complete all undergraduate requirements
in three years, allowing them to apply for law school in their fourth year. In the
long run, this means that students in the 3+3 program can complete their B.A./B.S.
and their J.D. law degree in six years.
Graduate & Career Opportunities
Early Admissions Program with University of PittsburghGraduate School of Public & International Affairs (GSPIA).
National Fellowships are also available for students who have completed their undergraduate
studies.
