The Political Science Department website>>

Sample Courses:
  • PSC-113. Introduction to Political Thought. Examines key ideas and concepts and “eternal” questions in the history of Western political thought, from “What is justice?” to “What are the qualities of a good leader?” and “Should we even have leaders?”
  • PSC-239. Feminist Political Theory. An examination of feminist texts with a focus on writings about inequality in marriage, gendered aspects of sexuality, the politics of sex and gender, and issues of justice, democracy and citizenship.
  • PSC-240. Comparative Ethnic and Racial Politics. An introduction to the trends and patterns of ethnic conflicts in the contemporary world.
  • PSC-243. Latin American Politics: Facing the World. A look at current politics, trends and challenges in specific countries and at the regional level.
  • PSC-249. Middle East Politics. An introduction to the essential political history and dynamics of the Middle East in the 20th century.
  • PSC-253. International Politics in East Asia. A survey of the main currents of international politics in East Asia since World War II.
  • PSC-265. Early American Politics. Explores key issues in American political life from the drafting of the Constitution to Reconstruction.
  • PSC-269. Media and Politics. Focuses on major trends in U.S. media, politics and political communication.
  • PSC-272. The Environment, Energy and U.S. Politics. Examines how politics and policymaking affect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land we live on.
  • PSC-275. Law and Film. Uses film as a springboard to explore concepts in legal theory, American legal culture, and the exercise of public and private power through the legal system.
  • PSC-282. Health Politics and Policy. Examines public policies toward health care including current reform efforts via a national health insurance program.
  • PSC-351. Global Politics of Corruption and Organized Crime. Focuses on the emergence of new transnational criminal networks in the age of globalization and sources and patterns of political corruption.
  • PSC-355. Defense Policy. Examines U.S. defense policy in relation to current trends in the international threat environment.
  • PSC-358. Wealth and Power among Nations. An examination of the tensions between developed and developing countries in the global political economy.
After Union:
After Union
  • Deputy National Communications Director for President Obama
  • Associate Political Affairs Officer, United Nations
  • Vice President, Potomac Investments Inc.
  • Law Clerk for Honorary Michael Ship, U.S. District Court
  • Senior Editor, Online; New York Magazine
  • Educator, Teach for America
  • Senior Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
  • Public Administration Analyst, Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health
  • Supervising Producer, Entertainment Tonight
  • Program Development Manager, China, Operation Smile
  • Librarian, Social Media and Rare Books, LibraryThing
  • Technology Editor, ABC News
  • Attorney, Bendett & McHugh
  • Account Executive, Global Brand, BBC
  • Producer and Writer, Yahoo
  • Financial Consultant, AXA Advisors
  • Analyst, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc.
  • Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Political Science

 Political Science explores national and international government systems and social institutions, and how they interact with each other. Hallmarks of Union's program include:

  • Small classes where you get to know your peers and professors.
  • Dedicated faculty who engage students through diverse courses
  • Field learning that offers real-life political experience.
  • Special research projects that allow you to delve into a topic that fascinates you.
  • Intricate simulations of the political process (Model United Nations, U.S. Congress, presidential elections)

As a Political Science major, not only will you be intellectually stimulated, but you’ll gain the knowledge, appreciation and skills to be a lifelong public and global citizen.

Begin your academic journey with courses that provide a strong foundation in U.S. politics, global politics and political thought. Then explore a range of research methods, political theory, comparative politics, international affairs and U.S. politics in a wide variety of advanced courses.

Your faculty-mentored independent research may focus on political action, political art or applied public policy. Working closely with local organizations, you’ll have a chance to influence community politics. Union students have become part of the political process by evaluating the Schenectady County Drug Court and writing a juvenile justice reform proposal.

Internships are a vital part of our program. The Department of Political Science runs internship programs in Albany with the New York State Legislature and in Washington, D.C. There are also continuing internships with local government agencies in Schenectady County, including the public defender, district attorney, social services agency, advocacy groups and non-profit organizations.

To develop a global perspective, Political Science majors complete a foreign experience requirement. You can study a language or participate in one of Union's many full terms abroad.

The Pi Sigma Alpha chapter of the National Political Science Honor Society sponsors a number of speakers, panel discussions and activities. The popular Pizza & Politics series features leading experts on a range of topics, from environmental issues and feminism to human rights activism. Some students contribute to The Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics, the premier national student research publication in the field.

As a Political Science major, you will gain versatile skills in verbal and written expression, reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, debating, and careful analysis of complex topics. This will prepare you for careers in government service, law, business, education and journalism; working with international and/or nonprofit organizations; and involvement in community programs, political movements and elected office.