Welcome to the Political Science Program
Founded solidly in the tradition of liberal arts, the Political Science major at East Central University emphasizes developing these skills.
Each Political Science major may, with the help of faculty, tailor a program to best match individual career and intellectual interests. The department also offers a Legal Studies major as preparation for a career as Legal Assistants or as preparation for law school.
Success in any career today demands flexibility based in three skills areas: the ability to think critically, the ability to analyze information from a variety of sources and apply that analysis to solving problems, and the ability to communicate that analysis to others. These skills are particularly critical for careers in law, government, business, teaching, medicine, as well as for success in graduate or professional school. Founded solidly in the tradition of liberal arts, political science at ECU emphasizes developing these skills. Each Political Science major may, with the help of faculty, tailor a program to best match individual career and intellectual interests. Majors may opt for a broad background in political science, or may emphasize any one of four fields. Special topics, courses, seminars, and individual study opportunities are also available.
Various internships in government and law offices and
study tours to Oklahoma City or Washington D.C., many for academic credit,
can be arranged for qualified students. The department also has a computer
lab available for student use, and offers other opportunities for learning
outside the classroom. These include the Oklahoma Intercollegiate
Legislature (a mock legislature where students debate issues of public
policy) and the Model United Nations (which offers students an opportunity
to experience what it is like to function in an international organization).
In addition, Pi Sigma Alpha (the international political science honor
society) and/or Pi Gamma Mu (the international social science honor society)
are available to those qualified. Students may also participate in the Legal
Professions Organization, College Republicans, and Young Democrats.
Political Science Students Honored
The political science program congratulates our Outstanding Freshmen Lauren Hensley, Mounds, Jacobi Nichols, Healdton, and Megan Hensley, Mounds. Of the nine freshmen honored, three were political science majors. Also honored as a Top Ten Senior was Whitney Harbour, Burneyville, who is also a member of the ECU women’s basketball team.
In October, 2007, political science professors and students visited the Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron for a conference on careers in political consulting.
