Political science is a fascinating and dynamic field of study that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to understand and analyze the world of politics and government. Whether you are interested in exploring the inner workings of government, analyzing the latest political trends, or simply want to learn more about the key issues and challenges facing our world today, studying political science can provide you with a wealth of opportunities to grow, learn, and engage with the world around you.
Whether you are interested in the structure and function of government, the behavior of political actors, or the processes that shape political decision-making, studying political science can provide you with the tools and skills you need to analyze and evaluate political phenomena.
Our Political Science program at Marshall University helps students understand the way ideas, interests and institutions all intersect to influence our daily lives. As a Political Science major at Marshall University, you can take courses and concentrate in the following areas:
- American National, State and Local Politics
- International Relations and Comparative Politics
- Public Administration and Public Policy
- Constitutional Democracy
- Political Theory
We focus on developing strong analytical reasoning skills, quantitative and qualitative methodological literacy, and fluid writing, which you can apply in a variety of careers.
The Political Science curriculum has two objectives: first, to provide a basic understanding of the functioning of government in preparation for democratic citizenship and second, to give a specialized foundation to those planning to enter law school, government service (foreign service, public administration), teaching, research, politics, or business.
International Relations is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major focusing on the changing political, economic and cultural relations within the international system of the modern era. The program explores how global, regional, and domestic factors influence relations between actors on the world stage. Students are equipped with both the foundational skills and specific knowledge necessary to analyze the choices and challenges that arise in this arena.
The Political Science Department offers an accelerated Masters Degree in Public Administration for current Undergraduates. Students accepted to the accelerated program can begin taking graduate coursework in their senior year up to a maximum of 12 hours in place of electives.
With no pre-law major at Marshall, this track provides the basis for those looking to go to law school after completing their undergraduate work.
The master’s degree in Public Administration will provide graduate training in academic, research and service to prepare students for leadership positions in public service, both in the non-profit and public sectors of society.
The Department of Political Science provides multiple options for you to minor in, including:
- Political Science
- International Affairs
- Constitutional Democracy
- Pop Culture
- Political Psychology
