Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Political Science > Special Programs

The political science department sponsors a variety of special programs, including several involving off-campus work and study. Students are encouraged to participate in one of these as part of their major program. Consult the departmental faculty for additional information. These programs include the following special opportunities:

Off-Campus Experiences:

Thiel's Semester in Washington: The Semester in Washington is a supervised internship and seminar program. It is conducted by the Lutheran Colleges' Washington Consortium and provides internship experiences in the governmental, public service or private sectors. The full program is available in the fall or spring semester. The program is small and flexible so the interests of a wide variety of students can be met.

Washington Semester Program: Students may participate in this nationally-recognized internship and seminar program operated by American University in Washington, D.C. Students may focus on politics, law, journalism, international business, economic and environmental policy, the arts, criminal justice, and other subjects.

Capitol Semester: A competitive 12 or 16-week in-service study program in a state-related agency in Harrisburg. Student must be a Pennsylvania resident, at least a rising junior and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Sessions may be either in the summer or during the school year.

United Nations Semester: Selected students particularly interested in government and international relations may participate in the United Nations Semester at Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, during the fall term of their junior year.



Teacher Certification:
Students may major in political science while obtaining state certification to teach in secondary schools. See the Education Department for teacher certification requirements. Student advising is provided by the political science faculty and the chairperson of the Education Department.

Pre-law:
Students preparing for law school may participate in internships and other opportunities that provide direct experience in the practice of law and the operation of the U.S. legal system. For curricular information, law school admissions testing information, and other matters related to preparation for law school, consult the pre-law adviser for the College, Dr. Merrill Downer, Department of Political Science.