Political Science

Students who want to make a career of investigating, addressing and solving political and social problems will find a major in political science equips them for the future. If you think law school might be in your future, this is the ideal bachelor’s degree to earn. It will prepare you by teaching you civil competence along with the opportunity to examine ethical issues, values and the consequences of public policy based on those values.

I’m also a minor!

credits required for the Political Science major

students enrolled in the Political Science program

students per class on average in the Political Science program

%

of master's degree can be completed as an undergrad at WOU

Sample four-year degree plan

Learning outcomes

  • Critically analyze political problems
  • Understand the structure and processes of local, state, national and foreign governments
  • Develop skills in research, writing, public outreach, advocacy and leadership

Career opportunities

  • Foreign service officer
  • Policy analyst
  • City manager
  • Political advocate/lobbyist
  • Elected official
  • Public reporter

Political Science minor

Get to know all things government by selecting this minor, which goes nicely with WOU’s International Studies major. You’ll also gain a good base of knowledge about public policy and administration, which is great for students who might see a political career in their future.

credits required for the Political Science minor

Faculty

EARLENE CAMARILLO

Department Head, Associate Professor, Politics, Policy, and Administration
503-838-9350 | camarilloe@wou.edu | BELL 206

ELIOT DICKINSON

Professor, Politics, Policy, and Administration
503-838-8835 | dickinse@wou.edu | BELL 221

ROBERT FORBIS

NTT Visiting Assistant Professor, Politics, Policy, and Administration
503-751-4099 | forbisr@wou.edu | BELL 204

GREG LEO

NTT Instructor, Politics, Policy, and Administration
leog@wou.edu

MARY PETTENGER

Social Science Division Chair / Professor, Politics, Policy, and Administration
503-838-8301 | pettengm@wou.edu | BELL 231A

SEIJI SHIRATORI

NTT Instructor, Politics, Policy, and Administration
shiratoris@wou.edu

KYNZIE SIMS

NTT Assistant Professor, Politics, Policy, and Administration
503-838-8401 | simsk@wou.edu | BELL 238

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QUESTIONS - Political Science

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Contact Us

Phone: 503-838-8301

E-mail: pettengm@wou.edu

Location: BELL 205

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