Political Science

Political Science Department

Marie Courtemanche, Ph.D.
Department Chair

 mcourtemanche@thiel.edu
 724-589-2074

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  • Political Science | Major

    Major: Political Science

    Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts

    Total credit hours: 46

    Internship/Practicum opportunities: Visit the Career Development Center for internship information.

    About the program

    A Thiel College student studying political science will learn how government works both in public and behind the scenes! You’ll study American politics, comparative political systems, international affairs, public law and public policy for an in-depth understanding of the principle frameworks for analyzing political power, processes and institutions. Programs in the political science department focus on accomplishing this task within the context of a liberal arts education.

    Thiel College offers many opportunities for political science students off campus as well. You'll have the opportunity to spend a semester studying in Washington D.C. or in Harrisburg, Pa. You could also travel to Drew University to take part in the United Nations Semester program, or the NEW Leadership Pennsylvania Summer Institute at the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics. Whether you hope to run for office, or are looking for a career in law or education, a political science degree from Thiel College will take you far!

    Visit our Academic Catalog (2023-2024) for course listings.

    Major Features

    1. You'll learn to clearly state and comprehensively describe an issue/problem, delivering all relevant information necessary for full understanding.
    2. You will be able to develop a comprehensive analysis of an issue/problem that integrates information from multiple sources and questions them thoroughly.
    3. Thoroughly analyze your own and others' assumptions and carefully evaluate the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.
    4. Choose to participate in an accelerated J.D. program to earn your undergraduate and law degrees in six years through a partnership with Duquesne University School of Law.

    Scholarship Opportunities

    Thiel College offers scholarships to students for reasons such as academic success, community service or involvement, exemplary leadership and more! The scholarships available to political science majors are:

    • Dr. H. Reginald Belden Pre-Law Student Scholarship
    • Cigler Political Science Endowed Scholarship
    • William Randolph Hearst Scholarship Endowment Fund
    • Dr. Roy H. Johnson Memorial Award
    • The Dr. Roy H. Johnson Political Science Awards Fund
    • Luther Malmberg Scholarship Fund
    • Gilbert & Dorothy J. Taylor Scholarship
    • John S. Yocca Memorial Scholarship for Political Science

    Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about the types of aid available to students.

    Clubs & Organizations

    It's easy to get involved on campus! Joining a student club or organization is an excellent way to meet others and gain leadership experience. A political science major might be interested in the following clubs and orgs:

    • Criminal Justice Club
    • Students for Civic Participation (S.C.P.)
    • Student Government Association
    • Tomcat Political Society
    • Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honorary)

    Visit our Campus Life page to see a full list of student clubs and organizations.

    Alumni & Careers

    A political science degree from Thiel can take you anywhere. Our alumni have pursued graduate school programs to earn their J.D. Others have gone on to work in education, law firms, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Defense, and more!

    Here’s what you could do with your political science degree from Thiel:

    • Lawyer – take your degree into politics, corporate, family or personal injury law and earn a median salary of $115,820*.
    • Lobbyist – turn your passion for education, the environment, the arts or a host of other causes into a career lobbying Congress or State Legislatures and earn a median salary of $66,429**.
    • Public Relations Specialist – promote just about anything from new products to important causes and earn a median salary of $56,770*.
    • Journalist – report the news as a reporter or correspondent on a local, national or international basis and earn an average income between $21,390 - $81,58*.
    • Educator – teach anywhere from elementary schools to college campuses and earn median salaries that range between $53,890 to $73,370*.

    *Bureau of Labor Statistics
    **Payscale.com

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