political science

philip jos, department chair | josp@cofc.edu | www.polisci.cofc.edu | 843.953.5724

What Can You Do With a Degree in PolitiCal SCienCe?political science majors gain analytical skills, administrative competence and communication abilities that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential career areas.

as a college of charleston political science graduate, you’ll possess the specialized knowledge and flexible skills that employers seek. You will be well qualified to pursue a variety of exciting and highly rewarding careers in private for-profit and non-profit organizations, as well as public-sector careers in business, criminal justice, state, local, and federal government, finance, politics, journalism and communications. or, like many of our alumni, you might choose to pursue an advanced degree in law, education or medicine.

a sample of positions held by recent graduates includes: • account manager, oxford international, london, england

• analyst, Florida department of education

• attorney, costigan and co. p.c., new York, n.Y.

• development associate, children’s defense Fund, Washington, d.c.

• executive director, charleston county democratic party

• hospital administrator, rochester, n.Y.

• investor relations and special projects manager, education Foundation

• law clerk, U.s. court of appeals for the 4th circuit

• project assistant, republican policy committee, U.s. senate

• regional director, s.c. democratic party

• research analyst, Widmeyer communications, Washington, d.c.

• sales specialist, Kessler Financial services, Boston, mass.

approximately 25 percent of our graduates enter law school or graduate school immediately after graduation. recent graduates are currently attending school at:• american University (mBa/ma) • Brandeis University

• charleston school of law • clemson University (mpa)

• emory University (law) • san diego state University (ma)

• George Washington University (ma) • the citadel (mat/ma)

• tulane University (law) • University of connecticut (law)

• University of michigan (law) • University of north carolina (phd)

• University of south carolina (law) • University of tennessee (law)

• Vanderbilt University (law) • Yale University (law)

College of CharlestonOffice of Admissions | 843.953.5670 | www.cofc.edu/admissions

“Majoring in political science was the perfect complement to the College of Charleston’s liberal arts education. Small classes, professors who care about your education, and numerous extracurricular clubs and activities gave me a foundation in politics that opened doors to internships, campaigns, and ultimately working in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Will Glascock ’04

active learning opportunities at the college of charleston, students are drawn to the political science program by our talented, energetic faculty, who are not only gifted teachers and active scholars, but also expert advisors who guide students to take full advantage of internships, study-abroad programs, independent study projects and other active learning opportunities.

Field internships (credit-bearing) provide students with practical experience in specific fields. past placements include: U.s. senate and U.s. presidential campaigns, federal public defender’s office, federal magistrate’s office, congressional offices, s.c. governor’s office, crisis ministries, charleston planning department and the courts.

if you want to study abroad, you can either take a faculty-led summer travel course (most recently to cuba, china, and morocco) or study abroad for a semester (recent destinations include australia, england, chile, the dominican republic and south africa).

through a combination of coursework and participation in an international model in Washington, d.c., both the Model organization of american States (moas) and Model african union (aU) will give you experience in international diplomacy, negotiation and policy making.

likewise, students on the Mock trial team gain valuable skills in critical thinking and public speaking while arguing a case in regional and national competitions.

other Special opportunitiesQualified students may complete a two-semester, senior-year research and writing project–the Bachelor’s essay–with the guidance of a faculty mentor. recent essays have explored such topics as: women as national leaders; politicizing reproduction; an alternative to capitalism in argentina’s barter system; and the low-income community and transportation policy.

independent Studies allow students to explore unique subjects not covered by an existing class. Working one-on-one with a faculty member, students have studied a range of topics, including: utopian political philosophy through science fiction, political development in tanzania and the incumbency advantage in the U.s. house of representatives.

through the Convocation of Majors program, students hear nationally prominent guests such as Barack obama, lois Gibb, and Ken rutherford (international anti-land mine activist) speak on subjects related to an annual theme, such as understanding war and conflict.

Special events sponsored by the department have included:

• a lecture by ann telanes, pulitzer prize-winning editorial cartoonist

• al Franken radio show live

• lunch and political discussion with senator Fritz hollings

related clubs and organizationsPre-law Society sponsors programs and speakers, campus visits by law school admissions officers, and an annual trip to the law school Fair in atlanta.

Pi Sigma alpha, the national political science honor society, has an active chapter at the college of charleston.

Political Science Club sponsors debates, lectures, service projects and social activities.

international affairs Club sponsors activities such as participation in the peace vigil, lectures, films and special events.

South Carolina Student legislature (scsl) is an annual student-run mock legislative experience held at the state capitol. the college consistently sends one of the strongest, most successful delegations in the state and has won numerous awards.

College republicans and Young Democrats involve students in local, state, and national political party activities, including political campaigns.

political science