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Political Science

The Political Science Program at University of Southern Indiana trains Indiana’s future political and civic leaders. Many of our students continue their education at graduate and law schools across the country. Our alumni are making a difference in their community, region, state and around the world.

The political science major offers two concentrations of study: Government, Law and Diplomacy (GLAD) and Public and Nonprofit Administration (PNPA). 


Philosophy

The vision of the Philosophy Program at the University of Southern Indiana is to acquaint students with the ideas and tools necessary to live a thoughtful and examined life in a diverse world. Our program in Philosophy enables students to be more attractive to potential employers and graduate schools. The courses in the philosophy major teach students to think logically, critically, and ethically. Their higher-than-average scores on standardized tests like LSAT, GMAT and GRE facilitates excellent admission to law school and graduate schools.


Master of Public Administration

For those wishing to pursue graduate-level education, the department also offers a 100% online Master of Public Administration, which you can complete in 2 years.

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Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) Dual Degree
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Opportunities

Our Political Science graduates have taken jobs at all levels of government and in politics, law, business, nonprofit sector, education, and media. Philosophy majors pursue a variety of careers, such as law, health professions, local, state, and federal government, business, and science.

Philosophy majors are appreciated on the job market for their portable skills and occupy top positions in business and government

Our MPA certificate program gives you the right combination of skills and theoretical knowledge to open the door to a broad range of careers in public sector institutions and non-profit organizations.

Spotlight

Rebekah Hamilton '24

Rebekah (Political Science major and pre-law minor) will attend IU McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis on a full-tuition scholarship. She was an Associate Justice in the Student Government Association, a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, and interned for the USI IT Department. She was the recipient of Brooks Inns of Court Pre-Law Scholarship and David L. Rice Merit Scholarship.

Tommy Kautzman '24 with Congressman Mast

Tommy will join the Office of U.S. Congressman Ben Cline of Virginia as a Press Assistant. He is a political science major and public relations minor. Tommy completed a Digital Communications Summer Internship for the Office of Congressman Brian Mast in Washington, DC in 2022. He had a previous internship in Washington, DC working for the Office of Indiana State Senator Mike Braun.

Shane Dearing '07

Shane Dearing, a 2007 USI graduate with a major in Political Science, was the speaker for the College of Liberal Arts Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of SAIVA AI based in Palo Alto, California, where he occupies a pivotal role in propelling the company toward unprecedented growth and financial success.

George (Robbie) Belt '24

Robbie will attend the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He graduated with a Philosophy major and minors in pre-law & psychology. Robbie was the president of the Philosophy and Vegetarian Clubs at USI, and a member of the Pre-Law club and the Mock Trial Team. He was selected Philosophy Student of the Year for 2023 and 2024, and was on the Dean’s list since the Fall of 2022.

Justin Homberg '24

Second Lieutenant Homberg graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Political Science and a B.S. in Criminal Justice and military science. 2LT Homberg has commissioned into the Indiana Army National Guard and will attend the Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Moore, Georgia. In the civilian sector, 2LT Homberg plans to attend the police academy for the Evansville Police Department.

Midori Matsuura '24

Midori graduated with a Political Science major and will attend the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. She is an international student from Japan, where she graduated from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in 2021. At USI, Midori established the Asian Student Union, for which she served as co-president. She received the USI Trustees Distinguished Merit Award in 2023.

Adrianna Garcia '24

Adrianna (political science & philosophy major, pre-law minor) will begin working as a case manager for Woods and Woods, a VA Disability Law Firm. She interned for Yocum, Krowl & Associates and for Hayes & Dant law firms. Adrianna was president of the Student Government Association, a News Anchor/DJ at 95.7 the Spin radio, and was recognized as a Phenomenal Woman of USI and the Community.

Cameron Davidson '21

Cameron will join the Office of U.S. Congressman Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky as a Congressional Aid for Immigration. Cameron has worked at the Catholic Charities of Louisville, KY as a Migrant Youth & Family Caseworker, after completing an MA in Nationalism & Conflict Management at the University of Salamanca, Spain. His studies in Spain were supported by a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship.

Ryan VanBuskirk '24

Ryan will attend IU Indianapolis' transition to teaching program to become a licensed German teacher. He graduated with Political Science and German Studies majors. In 2023, he studied at the German University of Philipps-Marburg. Ryan was an Associate Justice in the Student Government Association, a Treasurer for the German Club, and a member in the Political Science and German Honors Societies.

Samantha Bradley '24

Samantha will start working full time at the Tominack Law Office, PC in Evansville, IN, where she currently has an internship. Sam graduated with a Political Science degree and two minors, German and Business Administration.

Caitlin Daymon '23

Caitlin is a Peace Corps volunteer, and her long-term goal is becoming a foreign service officer with the Department of State. She graduated with majors in Political Science, Global Studies, and French. She was part of the French Club, Student Government Association, and Global Awareness Project. Her strategy is "Focus on your passion, and not something you think other people will approve of."

Evie Duncan '24

Evie will attend Southern Illinois School of Law on a partial academic scholarship. She graduated with majors in Political Science & Philosophy and a pre-law minor. "I enjoyed my time at USI as a student and a volleyball athlete. Each professor I encountered impacted my education, and they all encouraged me to further my academic career. I am incredibly grateful for USI and its faculty."

Anthony Rawley '24

Anthony (political science major, pre-law & journalism minors) will begin working as a quality assurance specialist for National Vet Help, a disability law firm for veterans. He interned for the Mayor’s Office in 2023. Anthony served as the Assistant News Editor for The Shield, was the recipient of the Jennings D. & Josephine K. Carter Scholarships, and graduated as a University Honors Scholar.

Samantha Fleischaker '26

Samantha Fleischaker is a double major in Political Science and Philosophy with a Pre-Law minor. She has been selected as the Indiana Commission for Higher Education Student Representative. In this position, Samantha will serve as a full voting member of the Commission. She will serve on the Student Success and Completion Committee, in addition to regular monthly meetings by the Commission.