School of Humanities, Education, and Behavioral Science
Department of History & Political Science
History and political science courses cover a wide range of cultures, social issues, and government practices and policies, providing students with an in-depth understanding of how cultures form, develop, and function. Our majors include:
- History
- International Relations
- National Security Studies
- Pre-Law
- Political Science
- Political Science – Economics
- Social Studies Teaching
Anderson Memories that Last a Lifetime.
The Department of History and Political Science offers personal attention while preparing students for careers in government service, law, journalism, and teaching. It not only provides students with a solid foundation for graduate studies or law school but also for a life of active citizenship.
In addition to the in-depth courses offered in history and political science, hands-on learning is highly encouraged. Depending on students’ professional career goals, internship experiences at all levels of government or in the legal profession provide invaluable opportunities to learn and become involved in the daily operations of these organizations.
Student Outcomes
Our majors have graduated from some of the top law schools and graduate schools in the nation. Many work in national, state, and local government as agents, analysts, and foreign service officers—one even was the former head of the TSA. Others work as campaign professionals or lobbyists, in non-profit organizations, and in a variety of business organizations.
Law School
Our program is excellent preparation for law school. Over the last 10 years, 93% of our majors who have applied to law school have been admitted—significantly better than the national average. And it’s not like they only get into undesirable programs. Those graduates have attended Dayton, DePaul, Duke, Georgetown, Iowa, Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana University-Indianapolis, NYU, Ohio State, Regent, and Valparaiso.
Graduate School
Over the last 10 years, our majors have earned or are earning a MA or PhD from Ball State, Indiana University, the London School of Economics, and so many more. Others have stayed to continue thier education here at AU earning a MBA or MOL.
Start your Career
Government
- Intelligence Analyst
- Foreign Service Officer
- Governor’s Staff
Politics
- Run for Judge or Mayor
- Press Secretary
- Campaign Manager or Political Consultant
Non-Profits
- Lobbyist
- Development Officer
- Research Analyst
Business
- Stock Broker
- Fashion Industry Buyer
- Logistics Account Manager
- Digital Marketing Manager
“The AU history department faculty believed in my abilities, care about my future goals, and meet me where I am at (with a challenge) the way that Shrock, Murphy, and Dirck did.” - Crystal (Jones) Kulhanek
Student Organizations
Student organizations are open to all students. They provide you an opportunity to meet regularly with others who share your interests. Although there are many student organizations at AU.
Center for Public Service
The Center for Public Service (CPS) was established at AU in 1973 through a sizable grant from the Eli Lilly Endowment for the purpose of preparing outstanding students for careers in public service through experiential learning.
Student Government
All Political Science majors should consider running for a position in the Student Government Association ( SGA). They serve as the voice of AU students to meet the needs and expectations of the student body.
Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science honor society, was founded in 1920 at the University of Texas for the purpose of bringing together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics. Chapters exist at accredited colleges and universities across the U.S. and actively promote extracurricular activities related to public affairs. Anderson University’s chapter, Alpha Eta Omega, was established in 2012.
Alpha Chi
Alpha Chi is a national academic honor society that was established in 1922 to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction.
Model United Nations Team
The Model United Nations team travels to national and regional conferences to compete with teams from other colleges and universities by representing a specific country or organization. The simulations at these conferences give you the chance to learn how the UN works and a forum for addressing global concerns in a real-world context. You’ll prepare position papers before the conference, draft and pass resolutions during the conference, and try to persuade others to support your position. Conferences are also great networking opportunities, as you’ll meet students, professors, and potential employers from across the US.
College Republican & College Democrats
Meetings provide a forum to discuss issues and events from a partisan perspective. By working closely with one another, both College Republicans and College Democrats model the activism marked by grace, hope, compassion, and respect that is the hallmark of the Political Science program.
MEET OUR DEPARTMENT TEAM
We’d love to connect with you.
_ Department of History & Political Science
Dr. Brian Richard Dirck
Professor of History
Dr. Michael Frank
Professor of Political Science
Dr. David Thomas Murphy
Professor of History
Dr. Jaye Lee Rogers
Chair, Department of History and Political Science; Professor of History
Dr. Connor J. S. Sutton
Assistant Professor of International Relations and National Security
The Anderson You
You have unique interests and skills that set you apart. Explore the free My College Career Quiz to receive a personalized list of majors selected just for you. We’ve taken out the guessing work. Come find the Anderson you.