Overview
Active Citizens & Leaders
With a degree in Political Science, the next brilliant presidential campaign might just be yours! A degree in Political Science prepares students for careers in politics and government, law, mass media and other public/administrative professions. Most importantly, it prepares students to be active, responsive citizens and leaders.
- Watch Tom Brokaw's "Uncle Sam Needs Us" from South Dakota Public Radio.
- Watch Tom Brokaw's Segment on the Today Show about Doc Farber.
Opportunities
Political Science students benefit from a number of awards, scholarships and opportunities for study, research and experience from within the department as well as our Affiliates.
Farber Fund
Now totaling approximately $4.5 million, the Farber Fund provides more than $170,000 each year for Political Science, Criminal Justice and International Studies majors to attend conferences, participate in study tours, complete internships, travel abroad and conduct research. We know of no other university in the nation with this amount of money available in a single department for students.
Scholarships & Awards
Scholarship opportunities include the Dorothy Schieffer Scholarship, Philip Roche Award, Farber Scholarships and scores of others established by generous alumni.
Travel
Our students have participated in events such as the Model United Nations conferences in Chicago, Toronto, and San Francisco, the center for the study of Presidency conference in Washington, DC, and research and study trips to China, Israel, Germany, Cuba, France, London and elsewhere.
Internships
A wide variety of internship experiences are available to students, who are especially encouraged to intern with the U.S. Congress and the SD State Legislature.
Get Involved
We have several active student organizations:
- Political Science League
This active club organizes trips, brings speakers to campus, hosts an evening film series and sponsors other social and academic activities throughout the year.
- Students of Public Administration (SOPA)
- College Republicans
- College Democrats
Our Graduates are Going Places!
- U.S. Senators and Congressional delegates
- Congressional and Legislative staffers
- A White House Fellow
- An Assistant to the President
- Rhodes and Truman scholars
- A University President
- Professors of Political Science
- President of American Political Science Association
- Attorneys
- CEOs and Executives of Fortune 500 companies
- Television anchors and reporters
Dr. Eric Jepsen is the recipient of the 2010 Cutler Faculty Awards in Liberal Arts. The awards, endowed by Richard and Sharon Cutler of Sioux Falls, S.D., are given annually to faculty who advance liberal arts education through teaching and research.