From working in congressional offices in Washington, D.C., or with public relations companies in Brussels to conducting summer research with a faculty member, our political science majors embark on exciting research projects and internships around the world.

Brussels

Unique among American colleges, our internship program in Brussels gives students the opportunity to live and work in the capital of Europe. In addition to finding internships with European Parliament, Research Institutions or Think Tanks, Peace and Conflict Resolution Organizations, or NGO's and Pressure Groups, students also attend classes at Vesalius College. Apply for this program.

The Washington Experience

As the oldest engaged learning program at Furman, the Washington Experience allows students to work in government, interest groups, non-profits, and media organizations where they can rub elbows with Washington elite, all while earning course credit. Apply for this program.

State and Local Internships

Throughout the regular year and summer sessions, students can acquire a hands-on learning experience with state and local government agencies, district offices of congressional members, legal settings, campaigns, and non-profit organizations. Placements during the regular year are in Greenville; during the summer session, they can be at other locations, including the student's home. Students enroll in PSC 506, Fieldwork in State and Local Public Affairs. Contact Professor Teresa Cosby for more information.

Canadian Parliament

This program offers an excellent opportunity for students to study the legislative process of another country and to make comparisons between U.S. and Canadian political climates. Students with French language skills are especially encouraged to apply. The program operates during a five-week period from mid-May until mid-June. Find out more information from Dr. Glen Halva-Neubauer.

Iowa farm

This unique May Experience study away program offers students the chance to learn how agricultural practices, politics, and policies have an impact on our daily lives by traveling to a 200-acre commodity corn and hog farm in North Central Iowa. Apply for this program.

Senior Research Seminar

In a small seminar setting, students conduct independent research on a question in political science that is of interest to them. Topics in the past have ranged from the efficacy of the International Criminal Court to ideological bias in the media to the politics of climate change. Students work closely with a Political Science faculty member with expertise in the area of their research and produce a significant, original research paper. Students have the opportunity to present their research on campus and at state or regional political science conferences.

Summer Research

Political science students can apply to be faculty research assistants through our Summer Research program. Over the summer, students work closely with a political science faculty member on that faculty member's research. Students get hands on experience and a deeper understanding of how knowledge is generated in the field through their direct involvement in the research process. Students are provided a stipend for their work.

The Riley Institute

The Riley Institute is a multi-faceted, non-partisan institute that has developed a broad array of programs, symposia, and conferences designed to promote discussion and analysis of the dynamics of important public policy issues ranging from social security to national security policy. Several of our students involved with the Riley Institute participate in APEC international meetings each year, a trip which includes lodging and transportation. Visit the Riley Institute.