BACK TO HISTORY & POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT HOMEPAGE
The department has three political science faculty,
all of whom hold the Ph.D. degree and are committed to providing students
with special opportunities to learn both in and out of the classroom. Department
faculty have an impressive publication record
and, in recent years, have earned several awards
for their teaching. Additionally, a low student-faculty ratio enables political
science majors to receive a high level of personal attention.
Majors in political science seeking certification for elementary or
secondary teaching in Virginia should be thoroughly familiar with the professional
education requirements listed in the University catalog. Those interested
in secondary certification must include Political Science 300 in their
professional program. To qualify for either the elementary or secondary
student-teaching practicum, majors must complete Political Science 150
and 216 with no less than a grade of "B" in 150 and "C" in 216. Majors
seeking teacher certification are required to have a cumulative grade point
average and a departmental major average of at least 2.5 before student
teaching.
The optional pre-law concentration requires
completion of History 100 or 110 (whichever is not taken for General Education
credit), History 222, and Political Science 150 and 216, and 34 credits
in additional courses, including 25 credits in political science, 3 in
history, 3 in psychology, and 3 in accounting. It is also strongly recommended
that students add electives in computer science and forensic pyschology
and take six additional hours of work in social science courses selected
in consultation with the advisor.
Political Science majors seeking the Bachelor of Arts degree must complete
a modern foreign language at the 202 level or higher.
POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
All majors are encouraged to participate and assume leadership roles
in any of the campus community events.
Why Choose This Political Science Program?
Longwood University's Political Science department presents a challenging
curriculum of courses in American politics, public law, international relations,
political philosophy, foreign policy, comparative politics, and public
administration. The goal of the department is to prepare its majors for
successful participation within a wide range of post-graduate options.
That range includes pursuing advanced degrees in the social sciences, obtaining
satisfying positions in a variety of employment areas, and otherwise functioning
as a literate, informed, and responsible citizen of the nation and the
world.
Academic Program
The major in political science requires completion of History 100 or 110
(whichever is not selected for General Education), History 222, and Political
Science 150 and 216, and of 31 credits in additional work in political
science. Qualified majors may apply for admission to the political science
internship programs with the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, or
the Washington Center in Washington, D.C.
Minor in Political Science
The minor in Political Science requires completion of Political Science
150 and 216 and of 12 credits of upper-level courses in political science
chosen in consultation with a department advisor.
Career Opportunities
For Political Science Majors who decide to pursue a career with an undergraduate
degree, opportunities have included federal employment with the Secret
Service, CIA, and the Defense Department; private industry employment including
stock brokerages, insurance companies, and sales; and public agency employment
such as executive, legislative, and judicial branch positions within the
state and federal governments, regulatory agencies, local governments,
and multinational agencies. Other options are education in both the elementary
and secondary schools, adult education, and journalism.
Opportunities in Graduate Study
Recent Longwood Political Science graduates have been accepted to such
law schools as the University of Richmond, Washington and Lee, William
and Mary, George Mason University, Howard, Notre Dame, University of Virginia,
Tennessee, Campbell, Maryland/Baltimore, and Louisville. Others have chosen
to continue their education to obtain an advanced degree. Areas to consider
are academic political science programs and professional programs such
as Communications, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, and Para-legal
Studies.
Special Academic Opportunities
Pre-Law Concentration
The department has a specially constructed major for those students who
intend to pursue the study of law. Although we cannot guarantee admission
to law school upon graduation, we attempt to provide a foundation in those
areas generally considered desirable in preparation for legal training.
The faculty advisor for the program, David S. Calihan, holds the J.D. and
Ph.D. degrees and has been a judge. Click here for
Political Science/Pre-Law Program Requirements.
Internships
Examples of internships recently completed by Longwood's Political Science
majors include those arranged with the Virginia General Assembly, the Washington
Center, a national political party headquarters in Washington D.C., a U.S.
Senator's office, a congressman's district office, an area social services
office, and an area state district court. Active engagement of students
with internships enhances overall classroom learning, provides valuable
work experience, and culminates in University credit.
Accelerated Courses
Honors courses are available for those students enrolled in the Longwood
Honors Program who maintain a G.P.A. of 3.25 or above. These advanced course
emphasize reading, communication skills, analysis, and independent thought.
Special Honors sections of traditional courses are offered.
Teacher Training
Longwood University offers a fully accredited program for students who wish
to pursue careers in secondary education. This program is carried out in
cooperation with Longwood's School of Education and Human Services.
Senior Honors Research Program
Majors in political science are strongly encouraged to aim for participation
in the Senior Honors Research Program. Juniors and seniors with a 2.7 overall
grade point average and a 3.0 in their major are eligible for the program.
It carries 6 hours of credit and involves independent research culminating
in the writing of a senior thesis. Successful completion of the thesis
results in graduation from the University with honors in political science.
Interaction with the Faculty
The faculty conduct a variety of co-curricular activities for political
science majors, including field trips and out-of-class discussions regarding
pertinent current events. A close working relationship and interaction
with faculty members are advantages enjoyed by Longwood's Political Science
majors because of the low student/faculty ratio and the commitment of the
faculty to the education of their students.
Leadership Opportunities
Many political science majors are elected to participate in Longwood's
Honor Board and/or Judicial Board, two organizations dedicated to maintaining
the University's rigorously upheld "Honor Code" tradition.