Winthrop University Political Science Department
Political Science is a discipline that focuses on the nature of “power” – whether this power is held by an individual or a group, elected officials or monarchs, government agencies or protestors.
Political Science inquiry critically examines the structures and functions of governments, elections, political parties, interest groups, social movements and more. Political Scientists study both the process of politics and public policies enacted by governments; they compare across the world, and look at the same questions in the smallest hamlet.
Undergraduate study of Political Science is excellent preparation for careers in education, government service, campaigns, lobbying, journalism, foreign service, military service, law, labor unions, business and industry. The Political Science degree is also excellent preparation for advanced study in law, international affairs, international relations, public administration, public policy, public affairs, urban affairs, and more.
The award-winning Winthrop University Political Science Department faculty are a dynamic and talented group of teachers and scholars who enjoy exploring new ideas and sharing their passions with students and colleagues, and are recognized experts in their fields.
The Winthrop University Political Science major is flexible, which permits students to design personalized degree programs. In addition, the Political Science department has a number of affiliated programs that provide unique opportunities for further engagement and employment.
If you have any questions, contact the department program assistant, Elizabeth Oswald ([email protected]), or the department chair, Dr. Karen Kedrowski ([email protected]).
The Winthrop University Political Science department is committed to teaching, research and scholarly excellence, and to providing service to the university and to the community.
The department offers a comprehensive undergraduate program as a central component of an interdisciplinary liberal arts education. Studies in political science build skills and communicate knowledge that allows students to analyze political phenomena across a wide range of contexts. Our courses and projects prepare students for active citizenship, professional careers in government, international affairs, business and non-governmental organizations, and advanced studies in law, public administration, political science and other fields. We accomplish this by focusing on careful analysis, systematic evaluation and critical thinking about the nature of power, governmental institutions, social movements and political engagement. These goals reflect the university’s commitment to have students who:
“acquire and develop knowledge, skills and values that enrich their lives and prepare them to meet the needs and challenges of the contemporary world, including the ability to communicate effectively, appreciate diversity, work collaboratively, synthesize knowledge and adapt to change.”
The Political Science department is also committed to excellence in the areas of teaching and research, which enhances our classroom instruction and contributes to our growth as scholars and as active participants in the polity. Thus, we encourage scholarly collaboration between faculty members and between faculty members and students, and we encourage faculty to present the fruits of their academic endeavors to students, colleagues and the greater community. In these ways, the department plays an active role in Winthrop University as a “community of learners”.
