Where is the political science department located on campus?
The political science department is located on the east side of campus in Howley Hall on the third floor. The department office is Howley 315, and the phone number is 401-865-2434.
How do I declare and become a political science major?
Many students enter the College as Undeclared, and many others are undecided and uncertain. Once a student chooses the department and program that is of interest to them, declaring the major is the next step. Students must officially declare a major prior to the beginning of the junior year. Declaring political science as a major or minor is relatively simple. Get a copy of the Declaration of an Undeclared Student or Change of Major Form (both available in the office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, or available on their website). After completing all of the required information and obtaining all of the required signatures, drop off the form in the Dean of Undergraduate Studies Office. You should receive formal notification of your major status in your Friar Box within a few days. Welcome to the World of Political Science!
Can I receive credits for Advanced Placement Exams?
Providence College participates in the Advanced Placement Program and does award students who demonstrate exceptional performance in the particular area of study. Students who score a 4 or 5 in the Government and Politics U.S. exam would be able to use those credits towards a social science core or free elective. Students who scored a 4 or 5 on the Comparative Government and Politics exam may transfer these credits to fulfill one political science elective or social science core. For any student that scores a 5 on either of the mentioned exams also have the option of using those credits towards one political science elective or social science core.
For a complete view of the Advanced Placement (AP) Equivalency Chart you may click here.
Will the political science department help me find available major-related summer internships or work?
Both the professors and the staff of the department are more than willing and able to help students (majors, minors, et. al) find interesting and rewarding employment opportunities. By passing along information about summer fellowship programs and various other opportunities, the department allows its students to be up to date on the most interesting non-curricular activities. Opportunities can also be found through the PC Career Services Office.
Why pursue a degree in PSC at Providence College?
A degree in political science allows students to expand upon their interests in civics and government so that they may become well-informed members of their community, as well as future leaders of their community. A political science degree provides students with opportunities to cultivate their interest in national and world politics, as well as to expand beyond the horizons of the traditional classroom setting through internships, study abroad, and community service. The Political Science Department helps students to pursue a number of different avenues through which they would like to pursue a career.
If I am unsure about my major, what PSC course would allow me to see if PSC is right for me?
Any student that is considering becoming a political science major, should take PSC 101, Politics. This is the first class in the "introductory sequence" of the program. This class is an introduction to the study of politics and includes the study of basic concepts and modern political ideologies.
What do Political Scientists study?
Political scientists study politics in all its dimensions, from political philosophy to today's political behavior. In the political science program, students are able to effectively pursue their interest in national and world politics; investigate different value systems, ideologies, and cultures; and analyze political data, expand basic research and statistical method skills, and construct and communicate logical arguments.
Are there any concentrations within the major?
The requirements of the political science major allow students to get a taste of many different interests: political theory, comparative politics, international relations, etc. Students have two introductory classes that they must complete, and four courses from the "field requirements". Beyond that, students can pursue a "concentration" if they wish, with their electives and their Capstone Seminar. The department does not have formal concentrations.
What other majors/minors commonly combine with political science?
The study of political science is a broad topic and can easily be combined with a number of majors and minors, as well as various programs throughout the College. Being a political science major/minor opens the doors to many such areas of study wide open. Some of the majors and minors that students have chosen in the past to complement political science include:
The Feinstein Institute for Public and Community Studies
Women's Studies
Black Studies
Environmental Studies
Latin American Studies
Public Administration Program
Business Studies
Do professors have specific interests/ areas of specialization?
All of the professors in the department have specific interests and research specialties that often carry over into the classroom.
Tony Affigne is an American politics specialist with research interests in racial and ethnic politics, and environmental politics.
Rick Battistoni is a specialist in the areas of political theory and philosophy, and is one of the nation's leading scholars on community and service learning.
Mary Bellhouse is an internationally recognized scholar on the political content of French art from the period of the French Revolution, and is a specialist in political philosophy.
Doug Blum is the department's International Relations specialist, whose specific interest is in the politics of Russia and Central Asia, areas that he has studied for many years.
Joe Cammarano, Mark Hyde and Jim Carlson specialize in American politics. Cammarano teaches classes in the American Presidency as well as Public Service classes with the Feinstein Institute.
Bob Trudeau specializes in Latin American studies. He is the department Chair and also teaches classes in the Feinstein Institute. Dr. Trudeau is also the coordinator for the Edgar Maya Model Organization of American States program in Washington, DC.
Edward Cleary, O.P. is an internationally recognized scholar on the Church in Latin America and human rights, and teaches classes in Latin American studies program.
Bill Hudson is the department's specialist in public policy. He is the Director of the Public Administration program and also teaches classes in the Development of Western Civilization, the Liberal Arts Honors Program, and the Feinstein Institute for Public Service.
Susan McCarthy is a comparativist who specializes in Asian politics. She has done extensive research in China.
Neil Romans has an extensive background in American politics and specializes in Constitutional law and civil liberties.
Can I study in Washington for a semester?
The College offers a program that allows a limited number of interested students to study for a semester in Washington. Students attend American University's Washington Semester program. Selection is competitive and open to all majors, in the junior year. Taking part in this program offers students unique opportunities to gain first-hand insight into the democratic process.
How do I join the PSC honors program?
The PSC Honors Program is for qualified Juniors and Seniors. If a student is interested in the honors program they must have an outstanding record and discuss this prospect with faculty about the process. This program requires:
Twelve courses in Political Science
At least one seminar course in Political Science
One Capstone Seminar
Two semester thesis project (during Senior year)
Completion of the program will be duly noted on the student's academic transcripts.
Can/how do I get credit for an internship/study abroad program?
The department does not require students to study abroad or to participate in an internship. However, it does value both of these programs as learning opportunities, and urges students to participate. Students who are interested in internships have a variety of avenues to pursue: they are able to search the Office of Career Services, consult with their advisor, or with the Internship coordinator, Dr. Hyde, prior to beginning the internship.
If students are looking for more information about study abroad programs or other internship possibilities, simply visiting the department in Howley could be deemed helpful. The Department office in Howley is always updating the bulletin boards with the latest pamphlets and brochures about summer study, foreign travel, graduate schools, and even financial assistance for students. Just taking the time to visit the department could help you find an unexplored path that you had never possibly imagined! The Chair reviews and grants department credit for courses taken overseas.
What types of careers do political science majors/minors have?
Being a political science major leaves students open to all sorts of different career opportunities. Many graduates choose to go to graduate school or law school to pursue other areas of specialty; others seek employment in areas such as business, government, journalism, and public service. Some career examples of past political science majors and minors include:
Lauren Skryzowski (99) is a business analyst for ChoicePoint, Inc. in Fairfax, VA. Lauren formally worked in the White House Personnel Office
Jen Graham (00) is a legislative aide in Senator Diane Fienstein's San Diego office
Ryan MacLeod and Peter Hanson (02) are Americorps volunteers
Dan Ritcher (01) is an Admissions Counselor at Providence College
Kristen Scioli (01) is in her second year of law school
Frank Finamore worked several years at the EPA in Washington and now has his own consulting firm in Arlington, VA
Patrick Marr (01) is trying to make a go of his own Internet startup company
Alyssa Egan-Goduti (00) just recently finished her last semester in the Master's of Public Administration program at the University of Connecticut
Liz Oldmixon is starting a career as a professor of political science, at North Texas University
If I plan on pursuing a graduate degree (JD, PhD, MBA, MPA, etc.), will the political science major help in preparation?
Continuing in higher education is an option that many political science majors opt for at some point in their career, whether it be directly after college or after a couple of years of employment experience. Graduate degrees are valued in any employment realm, regardless of the concentration. Being a political science major will help in preparation for a graduate degree because this department trains its students in basic transferable communication skills, research skills, intellectual formation, and analysis of critical world and national issues.
In the same vein, many students and parents think that an undergraduate major in pre-Law is the only way to prepare for law school. However, a variety of paths can (and are) taken by undergrads who eventually decide to attend law school. That being said, we at the political science department would be inclined to say that our major will not only prepare students very well for law school, but also for graduate school and the "real world" in general. By emphasizing knowledge in various fields and the development of analytical skills, political science majors and minors are well prepared for any post-graduate endeavors they decide on.
How can I contact political science alumni?
Providence College alumni are some of the proudest and often maintain close contact with the department. Anyone interested in contacting a political science alum may utilize the Office of Career Services, as well as the Alumni Office. Also, every semester the department publishes its own newsletter, Politicus, which contains various alumni news items. Individual faculty can often help undergraduates contact alumni. |
