You are in the official current online General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Political Science
The College of Social Sciences
DAVID SCHECTER, Chair
NIMAT DAVIS, Administrative Support Coordinator
JANET LINTON, Administrative Assistant
McKee Fisk Building, Room 244
559.278.2988
http://socsci.fresnostate.edu/department_pages/political_science.htm
B.A. in Political
Science
B.A. in Public Administration
M.A. in International Relations*
*Admission to the M.A. in International Relations is currently suspended.
Master of Public Administration
(M.P.A.)
Minor in Political
Science
Minor in Public Administration
Minor in International Political
Economy
(jointly with Department of Economics)
Subject Matter
Preparation for Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science
Faculty
David Schecter, Chair
Yishaiya Abosch, Prelaw Adviser
Kurt Cline, Undergraduate Public Administration Adviser
Graduate Advisers:
Melanie Ram, International Relations; Kurt Cline, Public Administration
Yishaiya Abosch
Kurt Cline
Jeffrey Cummins
Kenneth Hansen
Thomas Holyoke
Russell Mardon
Melanie Ram
Mark Somma
In most instances, the faculty in the department have had experience
practicing what they teach. All bring to their classes extensive backgrounds
that permit them to combine the theories of political science and public
administration with the practical applications of those theories.
Most upper-division classes are small enough to allow extensive student-faculty
interaction. The usual course involves a mixture of lecture and class discussion
and encourages the expression of a variety of viewpoints about political
issues. With smaller classes come greater opportunities for individualized
instruction and assistance.
The Department
Courses and programs offered by the Department of Political Science are
intended to help all students become more effective participants in a democratic
society, as makers of public policy, and as individuals affected by those
policies. Our programs prepare political science and public administration
majors for a wide variety of careers.
Students may elect to concentrate within political science on American government
and politics, international politics, comparative government, or political
theory. The Public Administration Program is designed to prepare students
for administrative positions in public service agencies and includes instruction
in such subjects as personnel administration, budget preparation, public
relations, and techniques of management appropriate to the administration
of public policy. For those who achieve a high measure of proficiency in
their undergraduate programs, the department offers advanced work leading
to the master's degree in international relations and public administration.
A Minor in Political Science is chosen by students as a means of obtaining
skills and knowledge important to their primary area of interest.
Internships
The department offers several programs through which students may gain
practical experience while gaining academic credit. A political science
internship involves working in the office of an elected official or, when
possible, in an election campaign.
The comparable program in public administration places students in positions,
often paid, with local government offices and agencies where they may be
involved with city planning and zoning issues, public relations efforts,
special research topics or budget preparation, to mention several possibilities.
In addition, the department sends selected students to the state capitol
to participate in the Sacramento Semester Program under which they work
with members of the Legislature, officers of the Executive, or with lobbyists.
Finally, arrangements also may be made for better students to serve as staff
to members of Congress in Washington, D.C. for a semester.
Career Opportunities
What do you do with a degree in political science or public administration?
The skills gained through study on these subjects are highly valued in many
areas, including business. Graduates have found positions with governmental
agencies and officers, with companies or organizations that deal extensively
with government or as members of the print and electronic media as reporters.
Careers with the state department and foreign service have proven rewarding
to many with a special interest in international politics or comparative
government. Those interested in a career in law have found a solid grounding
in political science valuable. The department has more prelaw students as
majors than any other program at the university.
Political Science Courses
Political Science Degrees
Courses
and Programs Menu
Catalog Home
University
Home