E-mail this pagePolitical Science Program at SUNY Plattsburgh
Democracy, Power, Justice, Equality, Liberty.
These and other concepts underlie the study of politics and government. They give rise not merely to questions of fact, such as "How does our electoral system work?" but to normative questions as well, such as "Is our electoral system genuinely fair?"
The basic questions have been asked at least since the days of Aristotle. And they will stay with us, since governments will always have a vital role to play while also always being subject to abuse and corruption.
In a democratic nation, these questions are not just of academic interest. Citizens face them throughout their lives, from attending school board meetings to electing a president. The more people know, the better they can hold their government accountable, and the more democracy there will be.
The Political Science Program at Plattsburgh State allows you to:
- Prepare for a career in government, politics, law, or in the private sector.
- Gain valuable internship experience.
- Develop close academic relationships with caring, experienced faculty.
- Develop the writing, public speaking, and analytical skills that are so important in today's job market.
- Join and take part in activities sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society.
"I don't know exactly what democracy is, but we need more of it." - Chinese Student, Tianamen Square, 1989
Careers in Political Science
Our former students now practice law from New York to Colorado; they work in state government; some at very high levels. They work on Capitol Hill; one is a member of Congress; they are lobbyists, party leaders, fundraisers, policy analysts, and teachers. They are all involved in democracy.
- Congressman Anthony Weiner - Anthony Weiner graduated Plattsburgh State with a political science degree
- Please visit our careers page for more information on careers in political science
Programs of Study
We offer a wide range of courses in:
- Politics
- Public Opinion
- Voting and elections
- Interest Group Activity
- Government
- Local/state/federal levels
- International
- Presidency, Legislature, Congress
- Courts
- Bureaucracy
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you would like more information about political science at Plattsburgh State please contact
Jon Gottschall, Chairperson
Office: Hawkins 149, 101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh NY 12901
Phone: (518) 564-5830
Fax: (518) 564-4124 or 564-3842
E-mail: gottscjs@plattsburgh.edu