We also maintain continuing internships with local government agencies in Schenectady County. Majors are strongly encouraged to participate in Union s Terms Abroad programs throughout the world, where courses or projects are often available concerning political questions. Faculty members sometimes serve as resident directors of these programs. The capstone of the political science major is the senior thesis, a two-term project in which appropriate original research is expected. Students pick their own topic and are closely supervised by a faculty member who is a specialist in that sub-field.
Many graduates look back on their thesis as their most important undergraduate accomplishment.
Many political science majors are selected to present their senior thesis research publicly, on campus at the Steinmetz Symposium in May and off campus at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and at professional conferences together with their adviser. Political science majors are characterized by intelligence, energy, and intellectual curiosity. Not only are they some of Union s best students, but they make extensive contribution to the life of the College in areas ranging from student government to campus publications, to athletics, to theater and special events. Political science students regularly win campus-wide and national honors. For example, in the last several years they have won such prestigious national awards as Watson fellowships, CORO fellowships, and a Truman scholarship.