Political Science
The political science major is designed to make students familiar with the major schools of thought and methodologies in the field of political science. Students have the opportunity to take a variety of courses in several area specialties such as Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. In addition, the political science student can also acquire a background in international relations and international law.
Students become knowledgeable about American, comparative, and international politics and study the dynamics of power and decision making in various political systems. They learn to grasp the forces that determine the direction of emerging countries and their governments, and to analyze the political-economic relationship within geopolitical areas. Students can make comparisons among different political structures within the world, and understand competing historical and contemporary political thought that underpins political systems. The goal in political science is to achieve a self-reflective analysis of the institutions that socialize individuals into their political constructs.
The Political Science major at HPU provides students with the foundation for looking at politics and international affairs through a variety of different lenses. Students who major in Political Science are among the most engaged at HPU. They are independently motivated to follow current events in the world, to seek opportunities for experience and growth in students organizations such as the Model United Nations, and to study abroad. Students are encouraged to get practical experience through internships, such as working at the Hawaii State Legislature. HPU Political Science graduates are pursue careers in law and public service, work for local, state, and federal government, at U.S. embassies overseas, and for humanitarian NGOs in critical regions of the world.
Students majoring in Political Science major are that graduating seniors will be able:
- Be knowledgeable about American, comparative, and international politics.
- Understand the dynamics of power and decision making in various political systems.
- Be able to analyze the political-economic relationship within geopolitical areas.
- Be able to make comparisons among different political structures within the world, to include
the congressional and parliamentary systems.
- Understand competing historical and contemporary political thought that underpins
political systems.
- Be able to perform a self-reflective analysis of the institutions that socialize individuals into
their political constructs.
- Application
- Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- $45 Application Fee
- SAT I or ACT Scores (freshman only)
- Letter of recommendation
- Resume
CAREER PATHS
The major prepares students for graduate school in political science, public administration, international studies, international relations, American studies, and law. In addition, students find careers with local and state agencies as well as with the national government. These careers can be in the U.S. State Department as a foreign service officer or in the U.S. Commerce Department as a political analyst.
THE HPU UNITED NATIONS CLUB
- In spring 2016, 14 students participated in the annual New York National Model United Nations Conference, representing Fiji in the General Assembly and the United Kingdom on the Security Council. The Fiji team won a Distinguished award (second highest award given) and the United Kingdom team Outstanding Award (highest award given).
- In fall 2016, 7 seven students traveled to Kobe, Japan representing Samoa in the General Assembly and Malaysia in the Security Council
- In fall 2017, the club will participate in their second international model United Nations conference in Banff, Canada.
- In spring 2018, Students will participate in the New York National Model United Nations.