Academic Programs
What You'll Be Doing
Gannon University believes in the many paths leaders can travel. Whether you are interested in American politics, comparative government, international relations or political theory, Gannon’s political science program can help you explore possibilities for leadership and broaden your horizons. As a political science major, you will study a diverse set of topics, including the principles of the American Founding, the thought of such theorists as St. Augustine, Machiavelli and John Stuart Mill, the impact of globalization, politics of the European Union, and America’s role in world affairs. At Gannon, we also focus on the role of values in politics. Students will debate issues such as the proper role of religion in the public sphere, and the formulation of policy responses to humanitarian crises or acts of genocide. Students will develop research, writing and analytical skills that will help to prepare them for a wide variety of careers.
Graduates of political science are qualified for administrative and management trainee positions in fields such as: legislation and policy research, public relations, personnel, budget analysis, security investigation, media, city management, urban planning, public administration and the Foreign Service.
College Connections
Gannon students have opportunities to secure internships at a variety of government agencies in Washington, D.C. through Gannon’s affiliation with the Washington Center. Many students also choose to participate in internships in state and local government offices in Erie.
Each year a qualified Gannon student has the opportunity to serve as a student fellow at the prestigious Center for the Study of the Presidency in Washington, D.C.
Political science works very well as a dual major with such disciplines as history, foreign languages or international business. Many students also choose to minor in legal studies or leadership, or participate in Gannon’s R.O.T.C. program.
Recently, our faculty have delivered conference papers at the London School of Economics, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Toronto. Two of our faculty also received the Student Government Association’s Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. David Kozak, a Gannon political science professor, is a well known expert commentator on American politics for the local media.
The Gannon Advantage
- Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.
- Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.
- On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.
- An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.
- Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.
- Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.
• Gannon’s political science department offers a five year program that enables a student to earn a bachelor of arts in political science and a master of arts in public administration.
• Gannon is one of the few universities in the country to offer a leadership minor. Students have been exposed to nationally known speakers, such as futurist Joel Barker, CNN’s Major General Perry Smith, Dr. Roger Firestien and Dr. Tom Murawski.
• Gannon provides students with exposure to an array of impressive speakers, including former Pennsylvania Governor and first ever Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, bringing the real world of government, policy making and leadership into the classroom.
• Gannon’s Model United Nations for high school students is the second oldest continuing program of its kind in the nation. Gannon students play major leadership roles in the administration and delivery of this model assembly, which attracts nearly 500 students from the tri-state region and Canada each year.
• Gannon’s political science department administers Leadership Erie, a program for mid-career professionals who are up-and-coming leaders. Recognized by the National Association for Community Leadership, select Gannon students are offered paid internships through this program.
• Gannon’s political science graduates have been accepted into graduate programs at schools such as the University of Buffalo, Kent State University, Case Western Reserve University, American University, Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh.
109 University Square • Erie, Pennsylvania 16541-0001
1-800 GANNON-U (1-800-426-6668) or 814-871-7000
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