Political Science
Steven Gerencser, Ph.D. | Chair
Weikamp Hall 2188 | (574) 520-4334 | polisci.iusb.edu
Faculty
Professors | L. Chen, Karakatsanis
Associate Professors | Bennion-Turba, Gerencser (Chair), Popescu
Assistant Professors | B. McDonald, J. Smith, Trottier
Faculty Emeriti | Bonn, Hamburg, P. Herr, J. Lewis, Penikis
About Political Science
Courses offered by the department introduce students to the study of government and politics, including an understanding of public affairs, different political systems, and political ideas. This program intends to educate citizens who can think critically about politics and its place in their lives and in society; to provide a general liberal arts education for students continuing on to a wide variety of careers, including public service; and to help prepare those students who choose to continue on to graduate school or law school.
Through their coursework, students also come to understand some of the ways in which political scientists study politics; and learn to express themselves cogently in writing and orally. The department seeks to achieve these goals through its instructional program: a master’s degree, three graduate certificates, a major, a minor, and the political science courses taken by students majoring in other disciplines as part of the general education requirement.
Graduate Degree and Certificates Offered
- Master of Public Affairs
- Certificates in Public Management | Health Systems Management | Nonprofit Management
Undergraduate Degrees, Minor, and Certificate Offered
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | 4-Year Degree Plan (Sample)
- Minor in Political Science
- Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
Course Descriptions
Political Science POLS | Geography GEOG