History/Political Science

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History

Interim Chair: Dr. Mark C. Gentry

The study of history develops an awareness and understanding of the past, a sensitivity to the rich variety of human experience and aspirations and an appreciation for the extraordinary human capacity for good and for evil. Further, it illuminates the present and renders it intelligible by providing both context and direction.

Students of history learn to reason critically and analytically, to synthesize large bodies of information and to write clearly and effectively — skills that are applicable to any job setting.

History graduates pursue a wide variety of careers, for example, in communications, business and industry, museum management, state and national park service and government at every level. The program of study provides the requisite background for graduate study and for the study of law. A professional program is also offered which combines the major concentration with specialized courses in education and leads to secondary teacher certification. For students wishing to extend their learning experience beyond the classroom, a variety of internship opportunities are available.

Political Science

Interim Chair: Dr. Mark C. Gentry
Coordinator: Dr. Mark C. Gentry

American politics. International affairs. Health care. Jobs. The environment. Civil rights. If you are interested in such matters, political science is a major you should consider.

Political science has been defined as the study of “who gets what, when, and how.” It involves the study of government and public policy, as well as the study of the behavior of individuals and groups in the pursuit of their interests.

Political science majors can develop skills in writing, communications, analysis, and research. Such skills are useful in various employment settings. Such flexibility is attractive at a time when students can expect to change jobs, and even careers, on a number of occasions.

Political science helps to prepare students for careers in law; local, state, and national government service; interest groups and organizations; business; political campaigns; journalism, and teaching. Valuable training is also provided for graduate school and for those who eventually seek elected or appointed positions in public life or in the non-profit sector.

In addition, the political science program is designed to inform students’ interest in politics, to develop a deeper and fuller understanding of the political processes, in short, to provide a solid conceptual foundation that can be built upon in their later lives as citizens.

In the belief that learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom, experiential educational opportunities in the form of internships and simulations (e.g., mock conventions, moot courts, model United Nations, etc.) are also available.

Students can pursue a general B.A. in political science or can pursue more specialized concentrations. A minor in political science is also available.

See also the listings for the B.S. degree program in Public Administration/Government Service.

Pre-Law Studies

Pre-Law Advisor: Dr. Joseph Melusky

Students interested in attending law school may elect a pre-law concentration. While this concentration is not mandatory for students preparing for a legal career, it does provide a unique preparation for law school. Enrolling in the Pre-Law Concentration ensures that interested students will receive appropriate advising as they prepare for a career in the legal profession. Students majoring in any field at Saint Francis University may enroll in the Pre-Law Concentration.

Early Admission Program with Duquesne University School of Law

Saint Francis University, in collaboration with Duquesne University School of Law, offers a highly competitive early admission program for pre-law students. This partnership provides special academic opportunities for qualified students to earn both an undergraduate degree and a law degree in six years rather than seven. The program is designed to save qualified students time and money by enabling them to move on to law school following their junior year. Duquesne University School of Law agrees to accept all candidates from Saint Francis University provided that they meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. A cumulative grade point average of approximately 3.5 for three years at Saint Francis University (at least 96 credit hours);
2. Completion of all undergraduate major field and general education requirements at Saint Francis University;
3. A minimum LSAT score in the 60th percentile on the present LSAT. It is the student will take the LSAT in the Winter of his/her third year at Saint Francis University. However, by request, a student may defer taking the LSAT until the Spring of his/her third year;
4. Recommendation by a selection committee appointed by the Provost at Saint Francis University and the Dean of Admissions at Duquesne University School of Law.
5. All candidates for this program must, upon application, schedule an interview with the Dean of Admissions of Duquesne University School of Law. This interview should be scheduled after the student has taken the LSAT, but the results of the LSAT need not be available to the Law School at the time of the interview.

Each student in this early admission program will be awarded a Bachelor’s Degree by Saint Francis University after successful completion of the first year of the Day Division program or the first three semesters of the Evening Division program at Duquesne University School of Law. If the student does not successfully complete the first year program at Duquesne University School of Law, s/he will have to complete additional undergraduate credit hours (totaling 128 credit hours minimum) to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Francis University.

Through this program, pre-law students at Saint Francis University can get an early start on their law degrees. The program provides a combination of liberal and professional education well suited to those desiring to enter the field of law.

The pre-law concentration is designed to accompany any major. The total number of credits required to complete the concentration and the major varies with the major. For some majors, there is considerable overlap between the concentration and the major. For other majors, there is less overlap. As such, it would be extremely difficult or impossible for students in certain majors to fulfill all General Education, major, and pre-law concentration requirements in three years.

With this in mind, it is recommended that students wishing to participate in the early admission program pursue the political science/pre-law track.

Political Science/Pre-Law:

Students can reasonably expect to complete the political science/pre-law major within three years, making the Duquesne University School of Law early admission program an attractive alternative. Other majors would be possible. If you are interested in this program, it is important to plan carefully and to discuss your plans with your advisor and with Dr. Melusky.

Public Administration/Government Service

Coordinator: Dr. Joseph Melusky

This interdisciplinary major helps students acquire analytical skills and the ability to speak and write clearly. Training is provided in problem solving, statistics, library research, mathematics, logic, writing, and public speaking. Coursework on public policy, governmental operations, history, and other relevant subjects is provided. An internship providing an experiential blend of theory and practice is also part of this program.

Students also select one Interdisciplinary Field of Concentration from Management, the Social Sciences, or the Liberal Arts.

Such a diverse background provides useful preparation for graduate education, and/or for careers in government service (at the federal, state, or local level), nonprofit organizations, private sector management, and other fields.

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