Political Science @ FHSU: Hands-On Experience
The study of Political Science is challenging: It requires both theoretical and practical application, it spans centuries as well as geography, and it's personal-political issues affect, on a daily basis, everyone you know.
Examining theory and history is essential when studying Political Science. But for a robust Political Science education, classroom lecture is only part of the equation. You need the opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real world situations.
As a student in Political Science Programs, you have many experiential learning opportunities. You can:
- Complete internships
- Travel to different areas of the state, country or globe
- Lead department and campus organizations
Completing an internship, studying abroad, or participating in student organizations can not only provide invaluable experiential learning, but taking advantage of these opportunities can also make you more attractive to potential employers in the highly competitive and global job market.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Internships
Undergraduate Political Science majors are required to fulfill one credit hour of internship credit in order to meet graduation requirements. The faculty will work closely with you to help you arrange your internships, though you should first contact the internship coordinator and/or advisor for insight into what kind of internship will work best to benefit you.
For instance, a Political Management concentration student should seek an internship working with a lobbyist or a political campaign. Pre-Law students would find appropriate internships with law firms or legal advocacy groups. Recent graduates have interned at:
- American Democracy Project
- The White House
- U.S. House of Representatives campaign
- Republic National Committee
- U.S. State Department's Mission to the United Nations (New York City)
- Local County administrator's office
- U.S. Senator's office
For a complete list of the most recent internships that our students have completed, click here.
Travel & Study Abroad
Traveling-whether internationally, across America, or within your own state-is a way to see how your Political Science interests can crystalize into a fulfilling career. When you attend political events, attend research events or take part in scholarly activities, you get to experience the intersection of theory and practical application. Travel and study abroad also helps you acquire and hone relationship skills-a fact that's not lost on potential employers.
Recent alumni and current students have studied abroad for a semester in places such as:
- Germany
- Sweden
- China
- France
- Mexico
They've also participated in short-term study abroad experiences in places like:
- Peru
- Various countries in Europe
And our students have traveled with faculty on field trips to places such as:
- Washington D.C., where our students learned more about Federal government and national politics
- Lawrence, Topeka, and Denver to visit law schools
- Topeka, to visit the Kansas Courts, Legislature and Executive offices
- St. Louis, to compete in the Midwest Model United Nations
- Colorado Springs, to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy Assembly on International Studies
- Kansas City, to present at the Universities Fighting World Hunger Conference
Learn more about how FHSU's study abroad options give you a chance to experience hands-on learning.
Campus Organizations
Taking part (or, even better, taking the lead) in campus clubs and organizations is another great way to put your political science knowledge into practice. Plus, you'll get to meet like-minded people, learn how to work with groups of people and, most importantly, have fun.
Below are just a few of the 150+ student organizations at FHSU you can take part in:
Student Organization List
Student Government Association
College Republicans
Young Democrats
Tigers in Service
Campus Food and Hunger Initiatives
Political Science Groups and Organizations
Political Science Programs also offer several on-campus organizations and one online-only organization, the Onliners! For more information, visit the pages below!
Pi Sigma Alpha
Political Science Club
Pre-Law Society
Community and Global Engagement
Faculty and Staff are encouraged to report the community and global initiatives they and their students engage in. The aim of this survey is to gather information about community engaged teaching, research, service, and other activities that the FHSU campus community is engaged in during the current academic year. This information will be used to support the University's pursuit and maintenance of a Carnegie Foundation elective classification; specifically, for Community Engagement.