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.

Braydon Ashfeld

Course Descriptions

Major Map

Faculty

Pre-Professional Program

Contact

 

Latest News

CCC Initiative Logo
Augustana University Announces Election 2024 Initiative to Cultivate Curiosity, Exhibit Courage and Practice Civility

Augustana University is proud to announce the launch of the Election 2024: Curiosity, Courage & Civility Initiative ahead of the U.S. general election in November. This is a university-wide initiative to encourage members of the Augustana community to cultivate curiosity, exhibit courage and practice civility during a polarizing season in America.

Joseph Gebel
Beyond the Books: AU Government & International Affairs and Religion/Philosophy Major Goes From Classroom to Courtroom with Law Firm Internship

Joe Gebel ‘26 is a government & international affairs and religion/philosophy double major from Mitchell, South Dakota. This summer, he interned at Dailey Law, an attorney’s office in Mitchell, where he undertook legal research, drafted court briefs, and edited and adapted contracts.

ASA Faculty of the Year Awards 2023-24
Three Professors Named Augustana Student Association 2023-24 Faculty of the Year

The Augustana Student Association (ASA) honored three professors with the ASA Faculty of the Year Award on Monday, April 29. The award is given annually for excellence in teaching and distinguished service to the students of Augustana University. Along with writing thank you notes to professors, ASA asks fellow students to nominate their favorite AU faculty member for the awards. 

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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:

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