High Point University » Academics » Political Science

WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Students choose to study politics because they want to make a difference in the world. The political science program at High Point University thus focuses on the development of strong technical skills and an advanced understanding of political behavior and its consequences. The department’s core courses emphasize critical thinking, logical and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and public speaking. The department provides many opportunities to gain practical experience and learning outside the classroom. Many Political Science majors fulfill a portion of their requirements by studying abroad or completing internships with campaigns, interest groups, or political officials. Program graduates leave the University ready to make an immediate impact. Alumni frequently pursue graduate studies in first-rate political science, law, and professional programs. Department graduates have launched successful careers in a wide range of fields, including public service, law, business, journalism, education, public interest advocacy, and political campaigns and elections.

A Dynamic and Challenging Curriculum  

The PSC curriculum is designed to develop the must-have tools for today's competitive professional job market or graduate school. First year students begin to hone these skills in the major's introductory seminars (PSC 1010 and PSC 1011), which emphasize how political scientists understand and propose solutions to fundamental social, economic, and political problems. Other foundational coursework guides majors through an intriguing mix of courses on the workings of the American political system (PSC 2310), the methods that political scientists use to explain and study the world around them (PSC 2018) and foreign politics (PSC 2510 or PSC2710). During their final year, PSC majors cap their major with a political internship or our senior seminar (PSC 4099), where each major writes and publicly presents a substantial research paper. 

Majors present and discuss their thesis proposals 
for their senior project in PSC 4099

Teaching That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Many of our majors and minors choose to become deeply involved in one or more of the many university clubs and activities that focus on political issues. Our students are active in Amnesty International, the College Democrats, the College Republicans, Model United Nations, the North Carolina Student Legislature, Political Science Club, the Pre-law club, as well as various other groups and honors fraternities; these student-run organizations do everything from taking students to national political conventions to hosting political activists for campus-wide events and forums.

Bill Clinton and Rudy Giuliani at HPU

Numerous programs each year bring politically-influential individuals to campus and into our classrooms. In recent semesters, the university has hosted several-day stays for four former congressmen, several nationally-prominent political reporters, and US ambassadors. The department co-sponsors The War on Terror Speakers Series, which has brought in numerous experts to speak on a wide range of international and homeland security issues. Other recent visitors to campus include President Bill Clinton, US Senator Kay Hagen, a circuit court judge, one of the nation's premier experts on Latino Politics, a senior researcher from the CATO Institute, the author of a leading book on the Civil Rights Movement, and one of the Civil Rights Movement's original Freedom Riders. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas delivered the university's commencement address in 2008, while New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani did so in 2006. Jordon's Queen Noor spoke to the campus in 2005.

While rigorous, our curriculum also is intentionally flexible: electives make up half of the major's required hours, and our manageable requirements readily permit students to complement their degrees with a second major, a semester of foreign study, and/or an internship with a campaign, interest group, or elected official. In recent semesters, our majors have studied abroad in Wales, England, Spain, Mexico, China, and at St. Andrews in Scotland. A sampling of recent internships undertaken by majors includes:

  • Policy intern, the Heritage Foundation in Washington, DC

  • Legislative intern, Washington DC office of US Senator Joseph Lieberman

  • Campaign interns, Hickory office of US Congressman Patrick McHenry

  • Campaign intern, US Senator Kay Hagan

  • Research analyst, Center for Terrorism in Washington, DC

  • Research analyst, John Locke Foundation in Raleigh, NC

  • Legislative intern, Washington DC office of US Senator Richard Burr

  • Legislative interns, Ashville, High Point, and Greensboro offices of US Congressman Howard Coble

  • Legislative intern, US Senator Bob Corker, Memphis, TN office

  • Conference coordinator, the Minority and Ethnic Women’s Network in Wales, UK

  • Political liaison, High Point Chamber of Commerce

  • Assistant speech writer, Governor of Maryland

 

 

 

 

 


Last updated on Friday, November 13, 2009
by Martin Kifer [mkifer@highpoint.edu]

"High Point University's Political Science program has given me the direction that I needed in my life. The small class sizes, intriguing topics covered, different teaching styles of the faculty, and interest that my advisors showed in my success are some of  the main reasons my college experience was so extraordinary. Above all, this program and those involved in it, have helped me to build that skills to communicate my ideas in a coherent and elegant fashion. I always will look back and know that my success in life is at least in part due to my time spent as a Political Science major."
       -J. Babin, '07

After graduating from HPU, Mr. Babin completed an MA in public administration at the College of Charleston. He subsequently went to work  in Washington, DC for the Transportation Security Administration. 

"Studying in High Point University's Political Science department has allowed me the freedom to challenge my critical thinking skills in a safe and comfortable environment. The faculty encourages academic development and works diligently to help their majors succeed, which is evident by how well-prepared and confident I feel working in the 'real world'."
      -M. Garafola, '08

Ms. Garafola interned at  the Governor's office in Maryland, where she authored speeches and worked with  the governor's child adoption initiative.  She also interned as a spokeswoman for a Washington, DC interest group. After graduation, earned an MA in Communications from the University of Southern California's prestigious Annenberg School.

"Going abroad through High Point's exchange program with St. Andrews University in Scotland was an amazing opportunity. While studying International Relations at one of Europe's most prestigious universities, I was able to make lasting friendships with people all over the world. I would encourage my fellow students at High Point to take advantage of the many opportunities the political science department offers as they will have a lasting impact on your life."
      -A. Howley, '08

Mr. Howley studied abroad for a semester in Scotland where he took specialized courses on foreign policy and Chinese politics.  After graduation, Mr. Howley interned in the Washington office of former vice-presidential nominee and US Senator Joseph Lieberman.

 

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