Political Science
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Why Major in Political Science at Allegheny College
Explore politics, public policy, and political behavior in the U.S. and around the world. As a political science student, you’ll investigate and debate enduring values and issues — like freedom, justice, and power — while learning to solve problems facing society today.
Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Political Science with:
Division
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Program Type
- Major
- Minor
Number of Credits
46 for major20 for minorWhere Political Science Alumni Work Today
Research & Operations Manager
Protect Our Care
Kelsey Evans ’20
Project Manager, Digital Innovations
Federal Reserve Board
Alex Sproveri ’13
Senior Advisor for Policy, Risk, and Compliance
USAID
Domenic Ionta ‘07
Political Director
Shapiro for Pennsylvania
Larry Hailsham Jr. ’15
Assistant Producer / Director
NPR’s Morning Edition & Up First
Milton Guevara ’18
Regional Organizing Director
The New Pennsylvania Project
Katherine Zemaitis ’21
Law Student & Research Assistant
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Hannah Firestone ’19
Co-founder
She Leads Africa
Afua Osei ’08
Head of Financial Crime Forensics
Goldman Sachs
Madelyn Yarbenet ’10
The Political Science Department here at Allegheny is life changing. I have benefited from amazing opportunities, such as an internship with a refugee resettlement agency and completing published research. This, combined with a faculty who study a wide range of topics and who want to know you on a personal level, has prepared me to be successful in the next steps of my journey.
Your Four-Year Journey
Year 1: Understanding
Take introductory courses on political theory, the U.S., or international politics. Don’t forget to enroll in Latin America, Europe, China, or the Middle East survey courses. Political Science classes are high-energy spaces with diverse approaches — lectures, discussion, simulations, debates, and visiting speakers.
Year 2: New Approaches
Begin research with a faculty member; several collaborations have led to co-authored publications! Politics in Popular Culture, Law and Courts, Human Rights, and Immigration are popular course choices during the second year. Consider applying for internships with local governments; in Washington, DC; or with a non-governmental organization.
Year 3: Delving Deeper
Take the Junior Seminar, an advanced research-based course to prepare for their Senior Comp and complete summer internships. The Dotson Fund financially supports political scientists’ internships in Washington, D.C., where we have an extensive alumni network. Our partnership with the Robert H. Jackson Center offers another unique opportunity, but our students intern in locations around the globe — from Brussels, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and right here in Meadville!
Year Four: The Comp
Research and write a unique thesis for their Senior Comp. You’ll also have the opportunity to take advanced classes on topics like Race and Politics, Civil Wars, Congress, and Social Policy in European Democracies.
Faculty and Staff
Email: swesoky@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-3343
Associate Professor
Email: skirschn@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2403
Featured News
Global Education Fuses Unusual Combinations With Adventure In Italy
Over a three-week course last summer, 17 student travelers journeyed to Italy. They were joined by local guides, professors, and specialists who enriched the students’ experiences.