Undergraduate

Political Science at Nebraska

Considered by Aristotle to be the "master" science, political science studies the actual as well as the most preferred way people organize to govern themselves. At UNL, Political Science divides this study into: American government, which examines national, state, and local government; comparative government, which explores how countries other than the United States govern themselves; international relations, which addresses problems arising when nations interact with each other; political theory, which treats the fundamental issues of how states should organize and justify themselves; public administration, which examines public organizations and how they make decisions; and public policy, which explores specific issues and the political process that shapes, molds, and enacts policy preferences into law.

In the interest of fostering a broad appreciation of the field, majors are required to take at least two courses from three of the above fields identified below as they appear in UNLs Undergraduate Bulletin. In addition, all majors must take the basic course in American government, a course in political theory, and a senior-level capstone course. Other courses in the major should be selected on the basis of each student's interests and career goals. Majors in political science and related disciplines may also pursue a certificate in public policy analysis which includes work in a number of programs and disciplines and particularly well suited for students interested in working for government or a specific policy field.

The five fields of undergraduate study in political science are:

1. American Government, Politics and Law
   
2. Foreign and Comparative Government
   
3. International Relations
   
4. Political Theory
   
5. Public Policy and Administration
   

Internships and Study Abroad

As Lincoln is the seat of state government, students have an opportunity to observe government in action. Political Science has a vibrant internship program where students may intern with the state legislature, the governors office, and other agencies of state government. Internships are also available with local interest groups, non-profit agencies, corporations, and political parties. Some internships are available in Washington and some overseas. Such experiences occasionally lead to career positions as students return to the agencies where they interned as undergraduates. For those interested in international relations and comparative government, there are numerous study abroad opportunities. Tuition and boarding costs are equal to those at UNL.

Pi Sigma Alpha and UCARE

Political Science participates in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary. Local chapter officers are elected from undergraduate majors in political science and meet throughout the year developing workshops of interest to undergraduates dealing with such topics as procedures for applying and requirements for entering law and graduate school and securing employment with a BA degree in political science. The organization also sponsors talks and discussions on topics in the news and of interest to political science majors and undergraduates in general. At least once a year, a prominent name in the profession is invited to campus to share and discuss his/her research in political science.

Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) provides undergraduates an opportunity to engage in research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. All majors are eligible to participate. In year one, students work with a faculty member on his/her research, and in year two, launch a project of their own. The program offers students a rare opportunity to work closely with faculty as well as observe by doing what it is political scientists do. Recent projects include: Collin Sullivan working with David Forsythe exploring the role that human rights plays in United States foreign policy compared to policies and actions of foreign governments; Benjamin Keele working with Brian Humes examining the power of so-called slave states in the American South in Congress owing to provisions of the Constitution that counted slaves for purposes of representation at three-fifths of their numbers; and Jonathan Jones working with David Rapkin monitoring the recognition of universal human rights in China.

Outstanding Faculty

Faculty in Political Science are a unique blend of scholar-teachers. Eight have won university teaching awards; two have been recognized more than once with this honor. One is a member of the Academy of Excellence in Teaching. Two have been recognized for their research as distinguished professors and occupy research chairs reserved for only the most outstanding scholars at UNL. The research of the faculty can be found in the most prestigious journals in the field and several have authored award-winning books. All faculty teach at all levels of the curriculum.

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