Government & International Affairs (Political Science)

Why study government & international affairs?

Government & international affairs students will gain a deeper understanding of political life in the United States and internationally, tools of inquiry and critical judgment, as well as rights and obligations of responsible citizenship.

At Augustana, political science is also known as government & international affairs to convey the belief that the proper analysis of politics includes — but goes well beyond — the “scientific” approach.
The knowledgeable professors in the government & international affairs department hold students to a high standard as future leaders.
This major promotes opportunities for internship experiences and emphasizes advising regarding post-graduate and professional opportunities.

Highlights

Government & International Affairs at AU

Careers

Graduates secure careers as foreign service officers, legislators, journalists, lawyers, policy analysts and nonprofit administrators.

Hands-On Learning

The department has built strong relationships with local and state political leaders, businesses and national organizations to establish high-impact learning experiences. Students work on issues important to them and cultivate contacts that often turn into full-time jobs.

Internship opportunities include:

Foreign embassies and the White House
Congressional and law offices
Nonprofit associations, including the Childrens’ Defense Fund, ONE Campaign and Jubilee USA Network
U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. State Department
South Dakota Bureau of Personnel

Government & international affairs students study away in:

Washington, D.C. — with the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS)
London, England; Paris, France; and Oslo, Norway — focusing on sustainable business with AU faculty
Higher Education Consortium on Urban Affairs (HECUA) Twin Cities Semester
Chicago Semester
Peace Scholars summer travel seminar, which deepens understanding of issues related to peace, justice, democracy and human rights

Courses & Organizations

Students study these areas:

Law
American systems
International relations
Political theory
World comparisons

Government & international affairs students often participate in:

Augustana Student Association (ASA)
Government Club
Augustana Democrats
Augustana Republicans
Augie Green