Interactive and experiential learning in the Political Science major at the University of St. Francis will help you get to where you want to go. Whether its law school, a career in public service, government, law enforcement or in the private sector, USF's Political Science major will prepare you by Offerin the opportunity 9 for real life application of classroom learning. Our Political Science students have completed internships at the White House, with members of the U.S. Congress and in the U.S. Customs Service. They have also worked with state and local governmental and law enforcement agencies as well as with many lawyers in both the criminal and civil areas.

Our Political Science graduates have moved into positions that influence the policies of government at the federal, state and local levels. Many have earned law degrees from notable universities such as the University of Notre Dame, the University of Chicago, Lovola University and DePaul University.

At the University of St. Francis, you'll be part of a Political Science program that boasts a 100% placement rate (1997) of graduates, who either find employment, enter graduate school or otherwise continue their studies. Students may also choose from three concentrations of study: General / Pre-law, American Politics or Public Policy.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Classroom learning comes alive as you invest yourself--your creativity, your research, your insights- -into the learning process. You may plan campaigns, write speeches and participate in debates for an election in today's Russia or work to get a bill passed in the U.S. Congress. In a mock trial of Russia's last czar Nicholas and his wife, Alexandra, the outcome may be different than history tells us, depending on the case you and your classmates prepare. These simulations-this interactive learning-involves you, your classmates and professor in making classes like American National Government and the Politics of Eastern Europe and Russia vivid and meaningful experiences that have practical application.

FACULTY

The Political Science faculty is committed to engaging students in the classroom experience as well as to taking students on field studies. Faculty members regularly use the vast resources available in nearby Chicago. Local, state and federal governmental agencies, major law firms and a diverse representation of foreign embassies, not-for-profit institutions, corporations and top law schools are at hand for professors to use for supplemental classroom learning experiences, research projects and internships.

As part of faculty's commitment to experiential learning, professors each year take students to the Midwest Political Science Convention in Chicago so they can meet with and learn from political scientists who are distinguished in their field. USE faculty also recently won a grant that helps defray student costs in attending the annual conference. An open door policy by faculty members also allows students and their professors to make an individualized learning plan within the curriculum so that each student is set on the right path to pursuing his/her objectives. You will find that your advisor will spend time one-on-one with you, and that this personal contact will be beneficial in setting and attaining your educational and career goals.

TECHNOLOGY

You'll do more than just surf the net in the Political Science major. You'll learn how to be a political scientist--how to identify and use research data and polls. The new Scope and Methods class will expose students to the most recent technology and programs used by professionals.

MOCK TRIAL / HONORS

One of the most exciting and important annual events for the Political Science program is the national Mock Trial Competition. Each year students, under the direction of an attorney, prepare a case for competition, acting as prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges and witnesses. The preparation is intense, but the rewards have included regional and national honors.

For individual students interested in law, the mock trial experience has offered invaluable practical experience as well as networking opportunities that have led to recommendation letters to law schools and to future career placements.

Students who excel in Political Science are invited to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society. The entire university community including students' parents, is invited to this very special honors night when student excellence is celebrated.

The University of St. Francis community delights in the accomplishments of its students, and is committed to fostering excellence. This is most evident in its Political Science program, which offers students a unique program of study guided by a caring, innovative faculty. As a student in USF's Political Science program, you will be challenged, and prepared for the future of your choice.