Political Science

This page details the political science program."

Political Science

Public Policy

Why Major in Public Policy?

      Public Policy is designed to explain the theory and practice of various forms of government and to help students understand and appreciate the problems and processes found at the global, national, state, and local levels of political activity. The program is consistent with the University's mission to educate each student for a life of productive work, enlightened living, and community involvement. Particularly, the program seeks to develop communication skills, critical thinking, ethical practice, and responsible citizenship within its students.

Study topics for the public policy major include:

  • Politics and Political Parties
  • Government Bureaus and Agencies
  • Behavior of Legislatures
  • Policy Making
  • Administration of Justice
  • National Security
  • Political Philosophy


Pre-Law

      Pre-law is commonly considered a major but is actually a series of courses designed to prepare students for admission to law school. Most pre-law students at UC major in public policy, a program which allows the development of skills in research, writing, and critical thinking. Specific courses in public speaking, psychology, writing, and economics provide an even stronger foundation for students preparing for law school. Admission to law school is based on a variety of factors, including a student's academic and co-curricular performance at the undergraduate level and the results of the Law School Admissions Test (LSA T), which is usually taken during the student's senior year of college. Among qualified pre-law graduates, UC boasts 100% placement in law schools, and many alumni have become successful lawyers.

Faculty

Dr. Tera McCown
teramccown@ucwv.edu

Dr. McCown received her Ph.D. from West Virginia University and is also the Director of the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Public Policy. Her areas of special interest include American government, public administration, and research methodology.  She also has a special interest in American government, the Presidency, and political philosophy.


Public Policy Program Features

  • Participation in Program simulations, from Security Council to Local Planning Board
  • Participation in intercollegiate conferences
  • Candidates' Night sponsored prior to local and regional elections
  • Opportunities to work in local political campaigns
  • Participation in Issues Forums


Internships

  • One semester at the West Virginia Legislature as an Aide to a West Virginia Legislator
  • The Washington Center Semester- a full semester as an intern in Congress or an executive or judicial office
  • Individually designed programs
  • Work with city or county governments


Studying in the State Capital

      Studying in West Virginia's capital city affords many opportunities to observe first-hand the actual operations of political offices at the state, county, or municipal level of government. Internships, research opportunities, observation, access to government officials and being in the center of political activity are available to public policy students at UC. State offices frequently seek out UC students for positions.

Public Policy Club

      This organization welcomes all students interested in politics and political issues. Members attend state or regional meetings, participate in forums, sponsor candidate appearances, and facilitate discussion of vital contemporary issues.

Career Options for Political Science Majors

  • Attorney at Law
  • Personnel Officer
  • City Project Coordinator
  • Political Broadcaster
  • County Manager
  • Probation Officer
  • Criminologist
  • Public Affairs Analyst
  • Public Opinion Analyst
  • Research Specialist
  • Staff Consultant
  • Survey Analyst
  • Teacher or Professor
  • Township Administrator


Former UC Public Policy Students

  • U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd - former U.S. Majority Leader and Senate President pro tempore
  • Honorable Judge Elizabeth V. Hallanan - U.S. District Court Judge
  • Mario Palumbo - former Attorney General of West Virginia
  • Ed Rabel - NBC News correspondent
  • Jerry Englert - Corporate CEO
  • Ben Beakes- Chief of Staff, WV Secretary of State's Office


Public Policy Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Public Policy Program will:

  • Understand fundamental political structures and processes
  • Understand basic theories of political behavior
  • Effectively communicate their understanding of political structures, processes, and theories to diverse audiences across a variety of media
  • Develop the critical thinking, problem solving, and special interaction skills necessary for responsible citizenship in a diverse society


To Achieve These Program Outcomes Students Will:

  • Meet the University's Liberal Learning Outcomes
  • Complete the Social Science Core of courses
  • Complete a Major Program of required and elective courses
  • Develop a Minor or Related Field of courses appropriate to career objectives


What Some Recent UC Public Policy Majors are doing

  • Ethan is an AmeriCorps scholar with the West Virginia Center for Civic Life
  • Billy works for the West Virginia Legislature
  • Stela works for an NGO in Belgrade, Yugoslavia
  • Milica is interning in Washington
  • Sarah is a social worker in Charlotte, NC, working with teenagers
  • Shawn teaches high school social studies
  • Sarah is doing graduate study in politics at Georgetown University
  • Bryce is attending West Virginia University College of Law