WRAPPING UP THE SPRING SEMESTER
Before you leave to enjoy your summer, be sure to wrap up your spring semester and plan ahead to the fall semester.

Here are some things to consider:

  • How did your spring classes go?
  • If your courses went well, great! If they didn't, you may want to consider alternative grading. Check out the Keep Learning website for more information and be sure to speak with an adviser as this could have implications on your financial aid or entrance to major. More details below.

  • Did you schedule your fall classes?
  • If you plan to take classes in the fall and haven't scheduled yet, do so as soon as possible! The closer we get to the start of the semester, the fewer options will be available. Don't wait to schedule!

  • If you don't plan to take fall classes...
  • Fill out the Leave of Absence form before the deadline, which is the Friday before fall classes start.
  • If you are unable to take in-person classes in the fall because of VISA or health concerns, please meet with an adviser to discuss your options ASAP. You may be able to take classes online through the World Campus.

  • The summer is a great time to explore majors and careers!
  • The academic advisers and career counslors in the ACPC are available throughout the summer to assist you with your major and career exploration. Make an appointment to discuss your options and develop your academic plan.
ACADEMIC PLANNING UPDATES
Major Preferences – Update your major preference in LionPath by following the instructions outlined here (select "View My Major Preferences"). Doing this will not declare your major, but it will will help academic advisers and department personnel better support you when preparing for advising meetings.
ALTERNATIVE GRADING INFORMATION
Penn State is implementing optional alternative grading again for the Spring 2021 semester. Please note: alternative grades can influence financial aid and entrance to major, so it is important to speak with an adviser before making a decision.

  • The period in which you can elect alternative grades is Wednesday, May 12, 2021 until Friday, May 21, 2021 at 11:59pm ET.

  • If you think alternative grades may be an option for you, first consult with Financial Aid and the ACPC. The ACPC will have drop-ins to discuss alternative grading at Zoom meeting ID 814 898 6112 on the following days/times:
  • Monday, May 10 - Thursday, May 13: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Monday, May 17 - Thursday, May 20: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Friday, May 21: 8:00am - 5:00pm

  • View the full explanation of the process, frequently asked questions, and necessary considerations here.

  • For information about using the tool in LionPATH, visit this website.

  • If you are considering an administratively enrollment controlled major, view the ETM considerations here.

  • If you would like to calculate the influence alternative grades would have on your GPA before making a decision, utilize this tutorial to walk you through the GPA calculator.
MAJOR OF THE MONTH: POLITICAL SCIENCE
WHAT IS POLITICAL SCIENCE?

Political science is one of the social sciences. It is the study of systems of governance and governmental institutions, political activity, political thought, and political behavior. Political science draws from many other academic disciplines, including economics, law, sociology, history, philosophy, geography, psychology, and anthropology. There also are subfields of political science, such as comparative politics, political theory, international relations, international law, public administration, and public policy. Political science students study how American government works (and doesn't work) and what can be done to improve government at the federal, state, and local level. In comparative government and international relations coursework, students study the politics and policies of other countries. Political theory courses examine the ideas of famous political philosophers, while courses on law and the legal process provide knowledge about the criminal justice and civil litigation systems.
YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS PROGRAM IF . . .

  • You want to understand how political and governmental decisions are made.
  • You love discussing and analyzing events in the news.
  • You're interested in how the legal system works.
  • You’re interested in how diplomacy works.
  • You’re looking for a degree that is useful in many different career paths.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS MAJOR?
The B.A. in Political Science program emphasizes the development of key intellectual skills, ingraining the habits of questioning, debating, challenging, and shaping coherent and persuasive arguments. You’ll be expected to master effective writing, speaking, and reasoning, and conduct upper-level research in public affairs—skills that are impressive to future employers. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond.

Employers of recent Penn State Behrend B.A. in Political Science graduates include the FBI, CIA, U.S. State Department, Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Pennsylvania General Assembly, and NASA. Recent Political Science graduates work as attorneys for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Michigan Attorney General, The Nature Conservancy, and GEICO, and in policy positions at Toyota Motors, Erie Insurance, and the Center for Naval Analyses. Other recent graduates work in education at the University of California, Los Angeles, University of Notre Dame, University of Connecticut, and in many secondary schools.
NEXT STEPS:
 
For more information, contact the School of Humanities and Social Sciences:

170 Irvin Kochel Center
4951 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6108


                                                
Visit the Undergraduate Bulletin for similar majors. Pro tip: Use the filter option to search by interest.                               

If you are interested in changing your major, contact your adviser, visit LionPath, and select Update Academics.
The Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) is the academic home for students exploring multiple academic programs before committing to a course of study. Academic advisers in DUS teach students how to:

  • Understand the purposes of higher education
  • Make connections between personal interests, life goals, and academic opportunities
  • Think critically and question common assumptions about majors and careers
  • Find educational opportunities such as study abroad programs, research assistantships, leadership activities, and internships

 
Thank you,
 
The DUS Advisers