Political Science

Political Science Department

Marie Courtemanche, Ph.D.
Department Chair

 mcourtemanche@thiel.edu
 724-589-2074

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    As a political science major at Thiel College, you’ll learn to break down power relations to uncover the behaviors, practices and rules of the game whose victors designate who gets what, when and how. You will study the full spectrum of power to understand the behavior that leads to political gains as well as the barriers that prohibit access to political power.

    We focus on accomplishing these tasks by offering courses in five subfields: American politics, comparative political systems, international affairs, public law and public policy/public administration. In addition to the political science major, Thiel also offers minors in political science, international studies and legal studies.

    Spend a semester in Washington D.C.

    Political science majors have the opportunity of studying and interning for a semester in the nation’s capital! Students travel to Washington and take part in two seminar style courses, POSC 468 & 469, for credit. Students simultaneously intern four days a week at a location of their choosing. Past participants have worked in Congress, The National Archives, and The White House. This program is available both in the fall and the spring. Watch as students relive their Washington Semester experiences!

    Clubs and Activities

    In addition to the Washington semester, Thiel College also offers a United Nations semester at Drew University in New Jersey and a Capital Semester in Harrisburg. Eligible junior and senior political science majors can also join Pi Sigma Alpha, a national which offers many benefits like scholarships and awards.

    Accelerated J.D. program

    Thiel College students can participate in an accelerated J.D. program, earning their undergraduate and law degrees in just six years through an agreement between Thiel College and Duquesne University School of Law.

    After three years of study at Thiel College, qualified students are guaranteed admission to the Duquesne University School of Law for completion of the Juris Doctorate degree. Students will receive a bachelor’s degree after their first year at Duquesne and will be awarded a J.D. after the successful completion of two additional years of coursework.

    Relevant and stimulating coursework

    Courses in the political science department at Thiel College focus on applicable skills that help students go deeper into the political world and to think critically about why things happen. Thiel graduates with a political science degree have used the skills learned in classes for graduate school or work in government, law, education, and human resources.

    Political science majors will learn about things like why people hold their political beliefs, how public policy is created, why countries go to war, and what explains differences in death penalty laws between states, leading up to the senior seminar where students apply what they have learned. Interested in earning a bachelor’s in political science? Learn more today!

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    Thiel College
    75 College Ave
    Greenville, PA 16125
    1-800-248-4435