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Political Science Department

If careers in law, business, government, politics, law enforcement, journalism and teaching pique your interest, then a political science major would be the perfect choice for you.

The Political Science Department offers a wide range of programs for understanding the political world, preparing you for your chosen vocation and seeking graduate education in politics, law, policy or public administration.

You may also gain practical experience in domestic and international politics, government and the law through our service-learning programs or through internships at the British Parliament, the Irish Parliament or doing government agency work in Belize.

If your goal is to become a lawyer, we will provide you with advisement and assistance in preparing for the law boards (LSATs), a pre-law library, law school trips and speakers, our popular law and justice concentration and our new law and justice minor. We also offer courses on constitutional law and have developed a successful moot court program. Our graduates have gone on to study law at some of the best schools in the nation. We take pride in their success.

Our Alumni

SUNY Cortland's political science graduates have a strong track record of success in a variety of areas. Many of our graduates go on to some form of post-graduate education, including law school and master’s programs. Recent graduates have attended law schools at Cornell University, the George Washington University, Syracuse University, The University of Alabama, University at Buffalo and Albany Law School. Our students have completed master's programs at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and Cornell's Institute for Public Affairs. 

We know that in order to continue this strong tradition, we need our alumni to provide guidance and support for our recent graduates. Do you know any successful Cortland political science alumni? If so, please email Robert Spitzer, Ph.D.



News

Students determine fate of European nations. Sort of.

March 5, 2024
SUNY Cortland students gained diplomatic skills in Belgium during a Model European Union project.

'Braiding Sweetgrass' author to speak

Feb. 16, 2024
The talk highlights a ‘common read’ series this spring on Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book.

Talk will review 21 Day Anti-Racism Challenge

Feb. 6, 2024
More than 500 students have explored SUNY Cortland’s anti-racism challenge on its multimedia platform.

Student advocate wins plum Albany internship

Dec. 21, 2023
Kaylee Evans will hone her political science skills in New York’s capital next semester.

Afghanistan pullout survivors to speak

Oct. 24, 2023
The couple will describe their harrowing escape from the ascendant Taliban regime.

Clubs/Societies

Students interested in participating in politics-related activities outside the classroom can join the Political Science Association. This student-run club sponsors many extra-curricular events involving students and faculty. It invites and hosts outside speakers, holds issues debates on controversial political issues, and organizes a funded annual trip to Washington, D.C., among other activities.