Political Science Program

Overview

You are perfect for the Fairmont State Political Science major if you have interests in:

• American politics
• International relations
• International studies
• Division of power in society
• Law

Political science students learn the structure of government institutions.  Our instructors focus on the political behavior of individuals and groups.  Political Science majors study common problems found in modern societies.  Before graduation, our students also understand the critical relationships between all levels of government.

The program is also designed to thoroughly prepare students for law school. Eligible students are also encouraged to intern in Washington, D.C. with the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars

Career Opportunities

The obvious career path for Political Science majors is to seek government positions. Students will be prepared for that at the local, state and even national level. But, the opportunities don’t stop there.  Graduates can become a:

• Lawyer
• Campaign operative
• Legislative analyst or coordinator
• Policy analyst
• Political researcher
• County administrator or executive
• High school teacher or university professor

Model Schedule

• Political Science Program

Additional Resources

• Research Creates Forum for Nonpartisan Political Discussion
• The Nolton
• WV Native, Political Science Major, Lands first NY Job
• Political Science Association hosts Constitution Day Events
• Internship Offers Chance to Work in Legislature
• Model UN Team Places Second in National Competition
• Three FSU Students Participate in Frasure-Singleton Internship

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Fairmont State University Political Science Department to educate the next generation of leaders in politics, law, academia and international relations. The Political Science Department’s mission is to create knowledge, inspire intellectual curiosity, share wisdom, foster critical and independent thinking about politics and public life, and inspire action to seek a more just and better world. The Political Science Department produces graduates who use multiple methods and approaches to engage in the thoughtful study of political life in all its dimensions, both theoretical and practical. Courses provide an understanding of political concepts and the organization and function of political systems and equip students with the ability to understand political theories and to gain knowledge and experience through written work, lectures, reading, active learning and internships.

Political Science Program Goals

• The Political Science Program strives to meet the needs of the students and the community by preparing all majors for immediate entry into government positions or related fields, as well as graduate programs.
• The Political Science Program strives to recruit highly qualified students to begin in each start term (fall and spring)
• The Political Science Program strives to retain current students and to foster timely graduation by all of our majors.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the discipline of political science, its many subfields, models, and approaches.
2. Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of political institutions and processes of the government of the United States.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of political systems, the global political order and contemporary world politics.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the political ideologies that serve as the foundation of political systems.
5. Demonstrate the ability to apply the different methodologies and techniques of research in political science and to conceptualize problems and apply analytical tools to solve them.
6. Demonstrate the ability to write or speak with clarity and precision so as to effectively communicate facts and thoughts.