How is UNL's Political Science program?

I'm considering applying to University of Nebraska-Lincoln for political science. Anyone have any insights about the program there? What should I expect in terms of class sizes and faculty?

The political science program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is quite solid. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, with classes focusing on various aspects of political science, including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy.

In terms of class sizes, introductory courses tend to be larger, often consisting of around 100-150 students, while upper-level courses are typically smaller, with around 20-40 students. This is quite common for most universities, as smaller class sizes allow for more in-depth discussions and personalized attention from professors in advanced courses.

It's important to note that the large lecture-style introductory courses are usually accompanied by smaller discussion sections led by teaching assistants or instructors, which give students the opportunity to engage in more intimate discussions and get personalized assistance.

As for faculty, UNL's political science department has many experienced and knowledgeable professors. The faculty at UNL often hold Ph.D.s from prestigious institutions, have authored numerous publications, and hold expertise in various subfields of political science.

Many faculty members are actively engaged in research or have real-world experience in politics and policymaking, which adds to the richness of the classroom experience. Since the department values teaching as well as research, you can expect that faculty members will be accessible to students during their office hours and pay close attention to student success.

Moreover, UNL offers opportunities for political science students to engage in internships, research projects, and other extracurricular activities to enrich their undergraduate experience and develop practical skills. UNL has partnerships with local and state government agencies, as well as with non-governmental organizations and advocacy groups, that provide internship possibilities for students.

In addition, the department often organizes events such as guest lectures, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to help students connect with professionals in the field and learn about political science issues outside the classroom.

In summary, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's political science program offers a diverse and comprehensive curriculum with courses covering various subfields, experienced faculty members who are dedicated to teaching and research, and a variety of opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and extracurricular activities.

While class sizes might be large in the beginning, they will gradually become smaller as you progress and start taking more advanced courses, allowing for more personalized attention from faculty and in-depth discussions.