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Political Science

B.A. in Political Science

The Political Science Major provides students with facts, theories and skills they will need to succeed personally, professionally and as community members and citizens of the world. Politics courses, for example, teach abilities highly desired by today's employers: writing well, working independently, engaging in teamwork, providing leadership and digging for facts. Our graduating students are, moreover, well prepared to excel in graduate school or the legal profession because of their ability to engage in rigorous analysis and thoughtful verbal and written communication. The study of politics also prepares students for specific careers: in government, foreign service, public policy, social action and teaching. Finally, Politics Majors enjoy the challenge of studying different answers to the question of how individuals and groups might live together under conditions of greater equality, peace and justice.

Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • compare and contrast competing arguments about politics.
  • evaluate the validity of claims about politics and political behavior.
  • explain complex political concepts and ideas clearly.
  • apply basic methods of social science inquiry to address an important research question.

Career Outlook

Employment of budget analysts is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2021 to 2031. Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031. Employment of survey researchers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031. About 1,000 openings for survey researchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 18,000 openings for social and community service managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 

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State University of New York at Potsdam is proud to announce its first fully online baccalaureate program—a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. The program is the first to be offered 100 percent virtually in the field in the SUNY System.

“I was looking at many other SUNY Schools, but SUNY Potsdam is probably the best one for politics and international studies. The campus itself is really nice too, in a really beautiful area filled with nature, which I don’t really get a lot of exposure to down south where I’m from in New York City.”

Ehraz Natt '26
‘A Transformative Journey’

Layers of experiences have continued to shape and mold Ayisha Khalid’s academic path at SUNY Potsdam. As she pursues a degree in interdisciplinary studies focused on criminal justice and political science, Khalid 24 has been examining the inner workings of the criminal justice system, exploring socio-political activities around the globe, and using photography as a tool to tell important stories in the community.

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SUNY Potsdam Launches 100% Online Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science

The State University of New York at Potsdam is proud to announce its first fully online baccalaureate program—a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. The program is the first to be offered 100 percent virtually in the field in the SUNY System. 

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Raising the Bar

As a preamble for her education and career, Sara Behuniak ’14 found herself playing the role of a lead defense attorney in high school. A reading of Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood” set the stage for a mock courtroom trial as Behuniak and her classmates brought the pages of Capote’s non-fiction masterpiece to life—and in doing so, she found her true calling.

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SUNY Potsdam Partners with University at Buffalo Law School for 3+3 BA/JD Program

Motivated SUNY Potsdam students interested in a legal career can now jumpstart their studies at the University at Buffalo School of Law while completing their undergraduate degree, under a new accelerated 3+3 Bachelor of Arts (BA)/Juris Doctor (JD) agreement between the two institutions.

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Combined BA/MPA program

The Combined BA/MPA program between SUNY Potsdam and the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany, provides an opportunity for outstanding undergraduate students to join Rockefeller's nationally ranked MPA program before graduation.

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