Political Science
Politics is the study of public power: Who has it? Who influences
it? How does it work? Political science focuses on local, state,
national, and international levels. Beyond this, the lessons of
politics apply in all areas of life, including family and job relationships.
THE BA IN POLIITICAL SCIENCE offers great flexibility; students choose
courses from a rich curriculum, providing close student-faculty contact.
Significant work experience and internship opportunities are offered students
who may work in the state legislature, with lobbying groups, political
parties, political consultants, and in the offices of U.S. Senators and
Representatives.
THE BA OPTION IN LEGAL STUDIES provides students with an innovative
course of study with a law-related emphasis. The option offers five
patterns of study: alternative dispute resolution, law and the environment,
law and theory, law and social interests, and paralegal studies.
All patterns give students an opportunity to gain practical experience
in internships or independent research. The pre-law concentration
is unique to Chico. The public law intern program gives students
practical experience through contact with lawyers, judges, prisoners,
and persons in the community. Students work in areas of the law
such as housing, penal, consumer, welfare, and the environment.
Students participate in mock trials and moot courts in a simulated
courtroom.
THE BA AND MA IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION provides training for careers
in public service or non-profit organizatiions. The MA program
offers outstanding program options in Health Administration
and Local Government Management. A major feature of this program
is administration in a non-metropolitan setting.
THE BA OPTION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE emphasizes courses in the criminal
justice system, substantive criminal law, criminal justice policy,
and criminal procedure, as well as interdisciplinary learning. Honor
students are able to gain practical experience through internships
in a criminal justice agency.
International Relations
THE BA IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS combines intensive study of international
relations with area and interdisciplinary study. Maximum latitude is allowed
in selecting courses offered in political science and related departments.
In addition to gaining a broad liberal arts education, students receive
excellent preparation for advanced graduate study, the foreign service,
or careers in international affairs, business, or non-profit institutions.
Alternative Dispute Resolution and Paralegal Certificates
A growing number of institutions are using paralegals and adopting alternative
dispute resolution (ADR) as a means of solving conflicts. The ADR program
provides course work and internships focused on mediation and arbitration.
Paralegals work in legal aid and public defender offices, consumer protection
programs, senior citizen projects, government agencies, and private law
firms. Under a lawyer’s supervision, students in both programs engage in
research, conduct interviews and investigations, and represent clients
before administrative agencies.
Study Abroad
The Department of Political Science supports the concept of international
education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for
study at CSU international program centers in foreign countries.
Students should consult the International Relations adviser or the
Center for International Studies for information.
Career Outlook
BA and MA graduates fill staff and management positions in local, state,
and federal government, as well as business and industry. Some sit in Congress
and in statehouses. A large number work as staff to elected political officials.
Many work as lobbyists, journalists, and in government and public relations.
Since Chico sponsors a unique and nationally known pre-law and paralegal
studies program, many excel in careers in law.
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