The Sumners Foundation was established in 1949 for the study and teaching of the science of self-government. The trustees of the Sumners Foundation seek young men and women who are civically engaged and possess a capacity for leadership. Sumners Scholars demonstrate academic excellence, a sense of civic responsibility, and potential for leadership. Every year, sophomore… [Read More]
Pi Sigma Alpha
Political Science students who meet a variety of academic requirements are invited to join the Chi Chi chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. The Chi Chi chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha received its charter at Austin College in 1999. Founded in 1920 at the University of Texas, Pi Sigma Alpha… [Read More]
Student Research
The political science department has a history of faculty working closely with students on research. In addition to the research methods and design courses offered by the department, professors work with selected students on Honors Theses their senior year. Additionally, students are afforded the opportunity to present their research both at the Austin College Student… [Read More]
Pre-Law
Austin College is well-qualified to aid pre-law students in preparing for their future occupation. Each year many Austin College graduates are admitted to a number of the better law schools in the nation. The College believes that a thorough liberal arts education is the best foundation for students to attain both their personal and professional… [Read More]
International Travel
International JanTerm Students are able to take advantage of international JanTerm opportunities, which the political science department has a history of faculty planning and leading. These courses focus on comparative analyses of political institutions within and across states. Past themes include Identity Politics, Democratization, and Formal Institutional Design and include travel to countries such as… [Read More]
Model United Nations
Model United Nations (MUN) is offered as a course once a year by the AC Political Science department. Within the course, students will examine the country AC is representing that year, as well as discuss the nature, problems, and goals of the United Nations. Two student leaders are chosen each year to additionally teach students… [Read More]
Washington Semester Program
The Washington Semester Program allows students to spend a semester taking coursework at American University, completing a research project, and engaging in an intensive internship experience in Washington D.C. Available programs typically include: American Politics and Policy, Public Health, Transforming Communities, Sustainable Development, Peace and Conflict Resolution, International Law and Organizations, The Middle East and… [Read More]
Social Entrepreneurship for Poverty Alleviation
The Social Entrepreneurship for Poverty Alleviation (SEPA) program provides a service-learning experience in which students spend a summer writing grants with local non-profit agencies. Prior to being paired with a local non-profit, students are taught grant-writing skills — a skillset that not only helps them immensely for their work with the non-profit agency, but one… [Read More]