Public Affairs Department

Majors

Political Science Major - For students desiring a strong understanding of governance, politics and responsible citizenship. Students with a political science major will be equipped to affect public policy.

Criminal Justice Major - A multidisciplinary program for students who wish to study causes, impacts and ways to control crime. Coursework focuses on civil and criminal law.

International Relations Major - A multidisciplinary program appropriate for students who have an interest in foreign politics, transnational behavior, globalization and related careers.

Get Experience Working in Washington, D.C.

The Washington Semester Program is for students interested in gaining experience and contacts in our nation's capital. Recent placements have included the White House, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Congress as well as judicial offices, law offices and various interest groups and service agencies. The program also includes coursework in Washington.

Faculty Expertise

Professors in the public affairs department hold doctorates from such prestigious universities as the American University, the University of Virginia, Rutgers University, George Washington University, University of Denver and Emory University.

Their specific areas of expertise include gun control and policy, mass media polling, Ugandan politics, environmental diplomacy, criminal justice and constitutional law.

Related Student Organizations

Get involved outside of the classroom and connect with students who have similar interests. There are many campus organizations that are relevant to public affairs students, including honorary societies.

• Public Affairs Society
• Amnesty International
• Model United Nations Club
• Pi Sigma Alpha, the honor society for political science students
• Alpha Phi Sigma, the honor society for criminal justice students