Undergraduate

Undergraduate Major in Political Science

Political Science is a broad discipline centered on issues of understanding the organization of public life.  This includes the political behavior of citizens and elected officials; the institutions of courts, legislatures, bureaucracies and executives; judicial, electoral and policy processes; community, national and international governance systems; and the intellectual history and continuing pursuit of the good society.  Students who complete the undergraduate program often go on to careers in the private sector, government and non-profit organizations, or pursue graduate or Law degrees.  

Minor in Political Science

Student majoring in another field may also minor in Political Science.  The department offers minors in one of four fields: General Political Science, Public Administration and Public Policy, Foreign Affairs, and American Government.

Interdisciplinary Minor in Renewable Energy

The interdisciplinary minor program in renewable energy is open to all students. This minor has two tracks. Students may elect either track but for most students majoring in engineering, Track I will be most suitable as it will further enhance their degree to include a specialization in alternative energy. For most students majoring in areas other than engineering, Track II will be most suitable. Regardless of the track chosen, the program is designed to ensure that students are exposed to the technical, economic, and social issues relevant to renewable energy.

Track II is designed primarily for students in disciplines other than engineering. These students will receive training in the basic technical aspects of renewable energy as well as learning about energy policy and the economics of various energy sources. Students in any major may pursue this track. This track may be particularly appropriate for students interested in science, environmental studies, political science and business. It may also be appropriate for those who are technically oriented with a focus on geothermal energy.

The objective of the interdisciplinary renewable energy minor is to provide students with technical skills, economic and political background, and analysis and design skills that will help them to apply the knowledge gained in their major to the important national issues of alternative and renewable energy. Students will be exposed to a broad range of technical and social/political disciplines necessary to understand the sources of renewable energy, technical and economic decisions involved in using alternative energy sources and the policy and regulator issues influence adoption of alternative energy resources.

Click here for course work information.

For more information on Track I, please visit the College of Engineering.

Please contact Dr. Christopher Simon at 682-7769 or via email for additional information.

International Affairs

The International Affairs Program is an interdisciplinary major within the College of Arts and Science.  After working closely with the adviser to select their program of study, students in their final year work directly with a faculty mentor to design and complete a senior thesis. Area Study options are typically supported by strong language components. The program offers core courses including Global Studies (IAFF 100), Model United Nations (IAFF 300), and the IAFF Internship (IAFF 350).

The International Affairs Program works closely with the University Studies Abroad Consortium to provide international experience and offers a number of scholarships for its majors.

Available Scholarships