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.
Government & International Affairs Department
Government & International Affairs at AU

Government & International Affairs at AU

Beyond AU

Braydon Ashfeld ‘24, who majored in government & international affairs and communication studies/business (now strategic communication & leadership), is a staff assistant for Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a staff assistant, Ashfeld manages front office responsibilities. During his time at Augustana, Ashfeld spent a semester interning with the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MAJOR MAP
FACULTY

Contact Us

Dr. Emily Wanless, department chair

Government & International Affairs Department

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Latest News

Annie & Prince Ole
Listening, Connecting and Having Fun Guide ASA Leaders, Strategic Plan in 2024-25: ‘I’m proud of the work we’ve done’
Augustana University and Sioux Falls have connected the 2024-25 Augustana Student Association (ASA) president and vice president in ways they never could have imagined. Persuaded to run for top ASA leadership positions by their peers, Annie Johnston '25 and Prince Adhikari '26 both needed a running mate and found each other. They had all the makings of a great team. And now, with a semester under their belt as president and vice president, listening, connecting and having fun is what has guided them through the academic year thus far.
Jean Schroeder (front row, second from left)
Dedication to Education: University Receives Nearly $1 Million for Endowed Student Scholarships in Memory of Late Augustana Alumna

Thanks to the Jean Schroeder Educational Trust, Augustana University has received nearly $1 million for endowed student scholarships. The trust was established by Dr. A.T. (Andy) Anderson in memory of his late wife, Jean Schroeder ‘60.

2025 Gilman Scholars
Gilman Scholarship Provides Study-Away Opportunities in Norway, Japan for 2025

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides annual support to students across the country — enabling “American students to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures, skills that are critically important to their academic and career development.” Maddox Sievert ‘26 and Hannah Woody ‘26 are AU’s 2024-25 recipients of the Gilman Scholarship.

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Highlights

2025 State Capitol

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:

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