Political Science Degree

The political science program at Portland State University prepares students for careers in federal, state, and local governments, as well as law, business, international organizations, nonprofit associations, campaign management and polling, journalism, electoral politics, and more. The program focuses the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Program courses include: political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of political institutions and processes. Get more details below including other Oregon colleges that offer political science degrees.

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Portland State University

12000 SW 49th Avenue, Portland, OR

Portland State University (PSU) is an urban public research university located in Portland, Oregon. PSU, or "Portland State," offers 99 bachelors degree programs, 89 master's degree programs, and 38 doctoral degree programs. Extended learning, distance learning and lifelong learning programs are also offered.

The 2012 edition of The Princeton Review's "Best Colleges" issue noted that Portland State offers one of the best undergraduate educations in the nation.  Many of Portland State's graduate degree programs also earn high marks in college reviews, with the most noteworthy programs being Environmental Policy and Management, City Management and Urban Policy, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, and Public Affairs.

History

Portland State University was founded in 1946, just after the end of World War 11. The many war veterans returning to the area with the GI Bill at their disposal led to a high demand for higher education in Portland. The founding institution in Portland was called "Vanport Extension Center." It changed its name to "Portland State University" and moved to the South Park Blocks campus in the early 1950s. The first bachelor's degrees were awarded in 1956. The first master's degrees were awarded in 1964, and the first doctoral degrees were awarded in 1972.

Academics

The academic calendar for Portland State University follows the quarter format, with fall, winter, spring and summer terms.

Colleges and Schools

• School of Business Administration
• Graduate School of Education
• Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science
• School of Extended Studies
• School of Fine and Performing Arts
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• School of Social Work
• College of Urban and Public Affairs

Student Life

Many student services are available at Portland State, including a Career Center, Child Development services, Campus Recreation, Health & Counseling, Legal Services, an Ombudsman Office, Student Affairs, a Native American Student and Community Center, and more.

Both on-campus and off-campus housing is available at Portland State, and students can contact the Housing Office for information. Many dining options are available on and around campus.

There are many student groups and organizations available as opportunities for involvement on campus, and students may also organize their own group. Additionally, many community groups wish to collaborate with student organizations through the Student Activities and Leadership office, and these collaborations offer more opportunities for service and leadership.

Traditions

Portland State's official mascot is the Viking, nicknamed "Victor E. Viking."

The school colors are green and white.

The Portland State motto is "Let knowledge serve the city."

Athletics

The Portland State "Vikings" compete in 15 intercollegiate sports in the Big Sky conference, including:

Men's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Tennis
• Track and Field

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Community Life

Portland is a cosmopolitan city, surrounded by all the beauty of nature - mountains, rivers, oceans and woods. The perfect setting of city near mountains and water is a big draw for both students and visitors to Portland.

Students of Portland State who choose to live off campus can easily commute to school via carpool, streetcar, bus or bicycle.

Get more details here: http://pdx.edu/profile/snapshot-portland-state

Students Enrolled in the Political Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Portland State University has offered the following programs for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Political Scientists

Description

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, political scientists employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -2.3% from 2014 to 2024

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).