In the Politics and Government program at Western we study the purposes, opportunities, limitations and significance of politics in human life. Exploring the dynamics of politics thus involves not only the study of political and legal institutions, but also human nature and the common good.
Does this image desecrate the flag or does it represent the ideals of the American experiment? Whether you are unsure of your political stance or consider yourself to be a democrat, republican, independent, conservative or liberal, the politics and government program is dedicated to the free exchange of ideas and the development of critical thinking skills that are necessary for a healthy and vibrant democracy.
Why study Politics and Government at Western?
You will be a part of a small and vibrant community that searches for better understanding of the public and what it takes to strengthen public life. How political decisions affect people's lives is our central concern. In a world that is shrinking in size this means addressing scores of difficult questions. Western provides a community environment dedicated to asking and answering the large social questions of our time.
You will benefit from working closely with professors who believe that communities have to become "leaderful." A community, as Herman Melville reminds us, "is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm." Leadership and citizenship must be synonymous.
This program will prepare you for law school, graduate or professional schools, as well as public service at the local, state, national or international level. Graduates have gone onto careers in politics, campaigning or public policy. Students have also gone into business, become teachers or journalists, among many other careers.
Law School Preparation
Students interested in the pre-law emphasis will gain law school advising. About 1/3 of our graduates continue on to law school. Professor William Niemi is a LSAC advisor (Law School Admissions Council) and works with students one-on-one to prepare for the LSAT and law school admission. Our students have attended law school at the University of Denver, University of Colorado at Boulder, American University, Willamette University among many others. After law school our alumni have pursued careers as environmental lawyers, state legislators, lobbyists and many more diverse careers.
Career Preparation
The program encourages students to engage in internships and service learning to explore future career paths. Such internships have ranged from working in local law offices, working at the state Capitol, and interning in United States Senate offices in Washington, DC.
Students are also encouraged to become involved in campus activities. Currently there is a Politics Club, College Democrats, Center for Global Justice, and the Sustainability Club. These offer students opportunities to become politically involved on campus and in our mountain community and gain leadership and organizational skills.
Western's Student Services Center offers great resources for students starting to plan their next steps after college. Visit them in Union 102 and click here for information on career fairs, internship opportunities, graduate school, interviewing and resume writing and much more. They also offer Careers for Mountaineers, an online job search too.