The political science department actively uses international, national, regional, state, and local political resources to supplement students education. Students regularly visit the Oregon and Washington state legislatures and are introduced to the parliamentary system through coursework and trips to Victoria, British Columbia. D.C. Supreme Court justices, key administrators, and members of Congress are all on the program s agenda. This program brings students so close to the excitement of the political arena that many choose to return to Washington, D.C., after they graduate. The department facilitates student internships with public and private agencies in the Portland community.
Internships give students practical experience related to law, politics, or administration.
In the past, students have worked with city governments, law firms, civil rights groups, House and Senate offices, planning agencies, and state administrative agencies. Each student selects a topic of interest and then works closely with a faculty adviser to design research objectives. The independent study project culminates with a presentation to the department of a seminar paper based on the original research. Majors who produce a thesis of outstanding quality and who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship throughout the program receive honors at graduation. The department has been successful in helping launch students into postgraduate careers.