Department of Political Science Undergraduate Major and Minor
Career and Involvement Opportunities
intern with local organizations and earn credit through PSC 317
spend a semester in D.C. through Maxwell-in-Washington
take classes while interning at the New York State Assembly in Albany
Study Abroad or in Washington, D.C.
Our D.C. headquarters at the nationally ranked Center for Strategic and International Studies gives students access to leading minds in the world of policy and international affairs, competitive internships, employment opportunities and a deeply engaged network of D.C.-based alumni.
NYS Assembly Intern Program
Earn a full semester's credit while working and learning in the New York State legislature in Albany. From January to May, students work for a legislator and take courses on state politics, taught by faculty-in-residence. Interns receive a $6,600 stipend and 15 credits, up to 9 of which may apply to related Maxwell majors. Speak with your advisor for more details.
Following her internship with the NYS Assembly, Vanessa Salman ’17 B.A. (PSc) accepted a job offer as staff training associate and now helps supervise current interns. She says, “Maxwell courses develop incredible critical thinking skills that really set me apart
in my internship and in my work now.”
Distinction Program in Political Science
The department’s distinction program offers a valuable opportunity for highly qualified majors to work on a senior research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Students participate in a seminar during fall and spring semesters to ensure the successful completion of their projects. Students present their findings during a poster session and may submit their paper for the Outstanding Student Research Paper award.
Distinction students may earn 6 credits (3 for each semester) for the thesis work towards their political science major. Students in the Renee Crown Honors Program may arrange to have their political science thesis count as their capstone project.
Earn Credit for Local Internships
Make a difference in the local community while earning course credits. Students in PSC 317, offered in the fall and spring semesters, are placed in a variety of legislative, judicial, nonprofit, activist and campaign-oriented offices.
Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society
Pi Sigma Alpha accepts students majoring or minoring in political science who have an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher and a GPA of 3.4 or higher in all political science-related coursework. Students must also have completed 12 credits (four courses) of upper-division political science coursework at Syracuse University before applying.
Student Clubs
Numerous student groups on campus are involved in political and policy matters, including the College Democrats and College Republicans. Many of our majors become members and leaders of these clubs.
Career Resources
Maxwell students have access to many career tools and resources, including Syracuse University’s exclusive online job and internship portal, alumni directories, networking treks and skill-building resources needed to apply for jobs or graduate school. As you start thinking about your post-graduation goals, career advisors are available—in person, via drop-in virtual appointment and via text—to help translate your academic work into professional opportunities. You will quickly discover the many ways a liberal arts education can open new pathways to your future.
