Government and Politics Program Description

Government and Politics

School of Arts and Sciences

Political science is about power and authority...among people, in villages and cities, in state capitals, in Washington, and in the international system. Government and politics majors study governments, legal systems, political parties and interest groups, and other forces that affect the way people are governed. Government and politics students examine national and international events and organizations, policy issues, and how public policy is formulated and implemented.

At Utica College, students not only study government and politics, they also have the opportunity to experience politics through various internship programs and study-abroad programs available year-round.

Special Opportunities

Utica College offers a variety of study-abroad opportunities to students interested in studying overseas. Students interested in studying abroad may do so either through Utica College or through Syracuse University's Division of International Programs Abroad (DIPA).

Students from around the world come to study at Utica College. The experience of learning alongside a student from another country will undoubtedly be an exciting and valuable experience for government and politics students.

The government and politics major also offers students a number of internship possibilities in various governmental settings, including the New York State Senate and Assembly Intern Programs, and through the Washington Semester Program at American University or the Washington Center, both in Washington, DC.

Students also may participate in the National Student Symposium on the Presidency or a Model United Nations Assembly. The James Sherman Society is an organization for students interested in public affairs. Each year this group arranges for speakers, career counseling sessions, forums, and social events.

Facilities

Utica College maintains seven academic computer laboratories on campus. These labs contain either IBM-compatible or Apple Macintosh computers. Classes are taught in some of the computer labs; all labs are accessible to any UC student during published hours. The labs are equipped with laser printers, and the computers have word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs. Student assistants and a Computer Help Desk provide any assistance that students need.

Faculty

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Career Opportunities

Government and politics majors pursue careers in politics and government service, in the law, as teachers of social studies in secondary schools, and in other positions which require an understanding of governmental policy and procedure.
Utica College government and politics graduates enjoy a variety of successful careers. While some have pursued employment in government service or law, others have worked in Congress, become local public officials, judges, lobbyists, business owners, or teachers at the college or secondary school level. Many government and politics majors have continued their education at distinguished universities, including law schools such as Georgetown, Boston College, Harvard, Albany Law School, and Syracuse University. Other students have pursued graduate studies at The Eagleton Institute of Rutgers University, The George Washington University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Syracuse University.

UC Graduates

"The UC government and politics program blended dynamic classroom instruction with hands-on experience in a variety of government and campaign settings. Courses like American Political Parties and Campaign Management whetted my appetite for a career in politics, while the James Sherman Society offered a unique social outlet. The opportunity to design a dual major in my case, political science and journalism studies provided a competitive edge in landing a job in political communications. Dick Emmert's spring seminar on the American Presidency and the grueling hours spent researching the life and times of Calvin Coolidge notwithstanding still ranks as one of my favorite academic experiences."
--Maryann Riviello Brennan '81, Director of Program Development, NYS Senator Thomas W. Libous (R-C: Binghamton)

"UC served as my passport to graduate studies and to my subsequent professional career. I was able to participate in a political campaign while at UC and was afforded the opportunity to discover that my talents and interests were complemented by my major course work."
--Ricardo Cumberbatch '83, CEO and President, Coastal Communications, Brooklyn, NY

Further Information

Contact Professor David G. Wittner, Ph.D., Chair, Government, Politics, and International Studies at dwittne@utica.edu.