What Can I Study?
Our program does not prepare you for a career - it prepares you for many careers. PSC graduates develop a core set of skills that they apply to a wide range of careers after graduation. While some graduates pursue careers in fields directly related to politics (such as lobbying, law, or graduate studies), many graduates embark on careers that appear unrelated to politics. Some students are unsure about their future plans, which make an emphasis on building the general skills necessary for global competition all the more necessary. Our program is designed to maximize flexibility for the student in terms of interests and career goals-including students who are unsure about those goals. Students can emphasize a more global-oriented approach or a more US-based approach. We advise students carefully on an individual basis to tailor their courses around their interests. Furthermore, for those interested in concentrating in a specific area within the discipline, we offer political science degree concentrations in Pre-Law and International Security.
Undergraduate Degrees
B.A. in Political Science (37 credits) with optional concentrations in:
- Pre-Law (37 credits)
- International Security (37 credits)
Minors
News
MU Political Science Alumnus Played Critical Role in War on Terror
Ali Soufan, who graduated from Mansfield University with a political science degree, is considered by many to be a national hero. As an FBI agent, Mr. Soufan was the lead investigator in the aftermath of the USS Cole terrorist attack. Following 9/11, he interrogated numerous terrorists obtaining critical actionable intelligence and linking 9/11 to Al Qaeda.
Mr. Soufan left the FBI in 2003 eventually starting his own global security consulting firm with offices in New York, London, Qatar, and Singapore. He has also been an outspoken critic of enhanced interrogation practices. He writes about his experience fighting terrorism in his book, The Black Banners: The Inside Story of 9/11 and the War against al-Qaeda.
In the book, Mr. Soufan fondly reminisces about his Mansfield University experience. It is noteworthy that it was Mr. Soufan's writing skills that brought him to the attention of his future boss and mentor, John O'Neill, who was the head of the FBI's Counter-Terrorism Office. Mr. Soufan has visited Mansfield University and spoken with political science majors.
To view a CBS 60 Minutes interview of Mr. Soufan on the 10-year anniversary of 9-11, click here.
In Mr. Soufan's second book, Anatomy of Terror: From the Death of Bin Laden to the Rise of the Islamic State, he warns that despite the death of Bin Laden, Al-Qaeda should not be underestimated. In May 2017, he discussed his book and the continued threat of Al-Qaeda in yet another CBS 60 Minutes interview, click here to read about it.
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Faculty Spotlight
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's Harrisburg Patriot-News Op-Ed on rising tensions with North Korea.
In a War with North Korea, There is no Hollywood Ending
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's Harrisburg Patriot-News Op-Ed on foreign aid.
This is the Biggest Problem with Foreign Aid
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's Philadelphia Inquirer Op-Ed on President Trump's SC nominee, Neil Gorsuch.
Democrats, Don't Go to War over Gorsuch
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's Harrisburg Patriot News Op-Ed on the promise of today's college students.
To Find the Bright Spot in 2017 Turn to Gen Z
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's US News & World Report Op-Ed on the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.
5 Takeaways from the Donald Trump's Win
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's Fox News Op-Ed on the first of three Hillary v. Trump debates.
How to Fix an Already Predictable Debate
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's US News & World Report Op-Ed on giving politicians a raise:
Give Politicians a Raise, Get Better Candidates
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's US News & World Report Op-Ed on who Donald Trump should choose as his running mate:
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's US News & World Report Op-Ed on whether or not Bernie Sanders should drop out:
Bernie's Dropout is Hillary's Move
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's US News & World Report Op-Ed on the rise of Donald Trump:
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's Fox News Op-Ed looking at the year ahead:
2016 New Year's Resolutions: What's Good for Us is Good for the Country
Click here to watch Dr. Bosworth's WETM TV News Interview on Trump:
Trump's Controversial Proposal to Ban Muslims from Entering the US
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's Philadelphia Inquirer Op-Ed on his frustration with the gun debate in America:
Here's Why Gun Debate, Ultimately, Leads Nowhere
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's US News & World Report Op-Ed on the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks:
The Problem with the French Flag on Facebook
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's Fox News Op-Ed on the surge of Ben Carson:
Could Carson Win By a Hair? The Comeback of Stubble in Presidential Politics
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's USA Today Op-Ed on the Presidential Primaries:
2016 Elections? No Thanks, I'd Rather Mow the Lawn
Click here to read Dr. Rothermel's Fox News Op-Ed on the rise of the selfie stick:
Click here to read Drs. Bosworth & Rothermel's analysis of the 2014 midterm election: