Public Service Major

The Public Service track in Political Science is designed for students who want a more hands-on experience in the major or are interested in practical politics. The curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in American government, while instilling in them an understanding of public service. Students in this track are required to serve an internship in a governmental or political office.

Why Study Public Service at PSU?

Earn your political science degree in Oregon’s largest and most politically active city of Portland.

Studying political science in Portland presents a unique opportunity to see how a mid-sized metropolitan city addresses issues such as gentrification, homelessness, police engagement, and social justice from a public policy, legal, political theory, and American political perspective. Our students have access to a top-notch internship program that connects you with alumni and current working professionals in your field of interest. You’ll be able to easily connect with professionals actively engaged in fields such as law, politics, public policy, sustainable global development, and international justice to gain marketable skills in your field of interest, setting you up for the political science career of your dreams.

Learn more about internships

What can you do with a Political Science degree?

Our students develop skills that are highly valued by today’s employers. These skills include, but are not limited to: out-of-the-box problem solving, research, critical communication skills in writing/thinking/analysis, inclusive collaboration skills, and effective oral presentation skills.

Students and alumni find employment in business, government, nonprofits, social services, and educational institutions. Completing an internship or obtaining a relevant part-time job can only boost your job prospects after graduation.

Our Internship program and connections to our Alumni provide us a network of potential opportunities once you graduate with a degree in Political Science.

See where graduates of PSU's Political Science Programs work

Ready to start?

We offer a major in Public Service.

Click on the link on the right to see the curriculum for the program.

Students can take exciting courses in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats on topics such as public policy, local and state politics, US government, race, and political reform. Students also have the opportunity to earn credit for internships. In addition to meeting the University’s general education requirements, a student wishing to pursue a major in Public Service must take a minimum of 56 credits in political science as indicated in the curriculum. A minimum of 24 credits must be taken in residence at PSU.

Contact your CUPA professional advisor or the program faculty advisor, Prof. Richard Clucas, with questions about our program or course offerings.

Public Service Curriculum

Contact Dr. Clucas