Undergraduate
Department of Political Science
University at Buffalo, SUNY
520 Park Hall (North Campus)
Buffalo, New York 14260
Phone: 716-645-2252
Fax: 716-645-2166
Professor Joshua Dyck, Director of Undergraduate Studies, jdyck@buffalo.edu
Undergraduate Coordinator (to be determined)
Our Undergraduate Program
Two key components of the Department of Political Science’s mission is to provide undergraduate political science majors with both a broad and deep understanding of government and politics as well as the analytical skills by which this knowledge is acquired and the communication skills necessary to convey it to others, and to offer both introductory and advanced political science courses that are enlightening to undergraduate students in other majors.
By clicking on the titles on the left panel of this page you may learn about the requirements for a major or minor in Political Science, the courses being offered in the Department, how to obtain advising in the Department, and various other services and opportunities for political science undergraduate students–from internship and independent study possibilities to awards and honor programs.
The Political Science Club
The Department's Political Science Club serves all undergraduate students with an interest in political science. The club normally meets on Thursday afternoons at 5pm in 280 Park Hall. (The club's webpage has not been updated for some time.)
Why Major in Political Science?
Careers In Political Science*
A bachelor's degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; precollegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching. Political science majors gain analytical skills, administrative competence and communication abilities that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential career areas.
Examples of Careers for Political Scientists
The following are small sample of careers for political scientists. For more on the career potential for those with degrees in political science, check out the career booklets and pamphlets available from APSA.
Activist, Advocate/Community Organizer
Administration, Corporate, Government, Non-Profit, etc.
Archivist, Online Political Data
Attorney
Banking Analyst or Executive
Budget Examiner or Analyst
Campaign Operative
Career Counselor
CIA Analyst or Agent, Intelligence Officer
City Planner
City Housing Administrator
College or University Administrator
College or University Professor
Congressional Office/Committee Staffer/Legislative Analyst
Coordinator of Federal or State Aid
Communications Director
Corporate Analyst/Corporate Economist
Corporate Public Affairs Advisor
Corporate Manager
Corporate Information Analyst
Corporate Adviser for Governmental Relations
Corporate Executive
Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
Customs Officer
Editor, Online Political Journal
Entrepreneur
Federal Government Analyst
Foreign Service Officer
Foundation Program Officer or President
Free-lance writer
High School Government Teacher
Immigration Officer
Information Manager
International Agency Officer
International Research Specialist
Issues Analyst, Corporate Social Policy Div.
Journalist/Political Commentator
Juvenile Justice Specialist
Labor Relations Specialist
Lobbyist
Management Analyst
Mediator
Plans and Review Officer, USIA
Policy Analyst
Pollster/ Public Opinion Analyst/Survey Analyst
Public Affairs Research Analyst
Publisher
Research Analyst
State Legislator
Systems Analyst
Teacher
Urban Policy Planner
*from the American Political Science Association's website
Careers In Political Science
Expanded UB Summer Program
As part of the College of Arts and Sciences expansion of UB's summer program, the Department has increased its summer course offerings. This provides students with the chance to accelerate through the program or to take an extra course in which they are especially interested. It also offers non-traditional students more choices of topics and times to find a course of interest offered at a more convenient time. Find out more about UB's expanded Summer Program.