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Political Science (B.A.)

SWOSU offers a Bachelor of Arts in
Political Science and minors in Political Science and Pre-Law.

What is Political Science?

We have been studying politics since ancient times, but the academic discipline of political science began over 150 years ago, joining together insights from law, philosophy, history, and economics.  Today, political scientists specialize in the study of particular issues like American Government, International Relations, and Public Policy.

Majors and minors benefit from the skills acquired in our courses: critical thinking, writing and research, and public presentation.

Career Sampling

  • Attorney
  • Advocacy
  • Legislative researcher/assistant
  • Policy analyst
  • Public relations
  • Lobbyist
  • Politician
  • Political Consultant
  • Journalist, political correspondent
  • City Manager
  • Campaign staff
  • Corrections
  • Teacher
  • Academic

Median Pay*

  • Legal Occupations: $80,810
  • Business & Financial: $68,350
  • Media & Communications: $57,530
  • Education: $49,700
  • Public Relations and Fundraising Managers: $114,800

*Occupational Outlook Handbook—2018

Why Political Science at SWOSU?

I Voted stickersTogether, we have over five decades of experience of teaching, advising, and coordinating practical activities and travel with students.  We want to put you on your career path to success.

  • One-on-one advising
  • Internships
  • Research skills
    • Hands-on participation
    • Presentations at campus-hosted events and conferences
  • Model UN and other opportunities for travel
  • Graduate school preparation
  • Courses in timely issues like war and conflict, the internet, tribal law, and more

In short, you will get to know us rather well.

Advisors

  • Dan Brown, J.D.
  • Heather Katz, Ph.D.

Student Activities

This student-run organization is open to all majors and minors and conducts regular meetings in the fall and spring semesters. 

Political Science Student Association

Activities include:

  • Trips to government functions
  • Election Watch Parties
  • Arranging outside speakers
  • Hosting skill-building workshops

It is a non-partisan organization and is open to all majors.

 Advisors:

The Pre-Law Association does “a little bit of everything” for those thinking about law school.  LSAT support is high on the list, but also includes:

  • Tours of law schools
  • Speakers
    • Law school representatives and students
    • Practitioners of law from various industries and judges
  • Internship and networking opportunities
  • Legal research and writing skills

Meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during the Fall and Spring semesters.  $15 annual due.

Advisor: Raygan Pierce Chain, J.D.

Phi Sigma Alpha logoThis honors society was founded in 1920 and has over 700 chapters across the United States.  Eligible majors can apply for scholarships and grants, travel to conferences, publish in an undergraduate journal, and have Phi Sigma Alpha regalia at graduation.  Once a member, you are a member for life.

Advisor: Heather Katz, Ph.D.

What is it?

Students role-play as delegates to the United Nations representing an assigned country in several committees. It is a great way to practice research and debate by traveling and having fun with your peers.

How does it work?

Over the course of two semesters, students prepare for a Model U.N. conference, usually in St. Louis.  Students must take Model UN I, POLSC 3353 before Model UN II, POLSC 3373.

Model UN is offered every other academic year.

Model United Nations

Professor: Heather Katz, Ph.D.

Traveling to Academic Conferences

Why?

Academic conferences are usually annual events where faculty and students gather to discuss their research.  Conferences can be national or regional, broad or topic-specific.  Papers or projects you develop in class can be presented to larger audiences with the assistance of your professor.

If you considering graduate school, working in public policy, or law school, it’s a great way to work on presentation skills.  They can also be pretty fun.

Where?

Political Science travelingMajor cities across the US and Canada like:

  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Montreal, Quebec
  • Philadelphia
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Washington, D.C

Local conferences also take place right here in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

How? 

Check with your professor or advisor for information on upcoming conferences and for possible funding for student research activities.