Political Science Department

Why Study Political Science at Fisher?

Political Science prepares students for careers in government, politics, education, or business and industry through the study of how political decisions affect society and individuals.

The Political Science program at St. John Fisher College offers students close contact with outstanding faculty; opportunities for internships at the local, state, national, and international levels; collaborative research projects; and the ability to design their own program within the major or minor.

Students learn through discussion of texts, cases, simulations, research reports, and internship experiences.

Special Opportunities

Internships

Juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in political science may qualify to participate in the Washington Semester Program. They also may participate in the State Assembly Internship Program in Albany, as well as in local internships in the Rochester area.

Fast-Track to M.S. in International Studies

Students majoring in Political Science are eligible to participate in the Fast Track Program to the M.S. in International Studies. Fast Track approval requires acceptance into the graduate program. If accepted and approved, students may register for up to two graduate courses during the senior year. These courses carry graduate credit and are taken in addition to those required to earn the baccalaureate degree.

Activities

The Political Science Club

The Political Science Club at St. John Fisher College enables students to participate in formal and informal meetings and discussions on current issues, career orientation, graduate opportunities, and related topics. The club also periodically publishes the political science journal, Etiam.

The Pre-Law Association

The Pre-Law Association at Fisher gives students a closer look into a career in law through mock trials and workshops at which law alumni help students to become familiar with the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and with law school applications and admissions procedures.

Academic Requirements

Courses are organized in several areas of concentration: political theory, American government, legal studies, comparative politics, and international relations.

A major in political science includes six required courses and a minimum six political science electives, for a minimum of 36 credits.

More information can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.