Hey, I was wondering if anyone here is studying or has studied political science at UCSB? I'm really interested in applying to UCSB, and I would love to know more about their political science program. Thanks!
Hey! I can provide some information about the Political Science major at UCSB. The department is known for its faculty, who are active researchers, as well as for the variety of courses it offers that cover American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
One interesting aspect of the program is that students can choose to pursue a general Political Science major or specialize in one of the four subfields (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Political Theory) by taking a certain number of upper-division courses in their chosen area.
The program also emphasizes research and analytical skills. To this end, the department offers students the opportunity to work as research assistants with faculty, participate in internships, or undertake their own research projects and earn course credits through the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP). Students who excel academically can apply to the department's Honors Program, which involves working closely with a faculty member to produce an honors thesis.
Aside from academics, you can also join clubs and organizations related to your field of interest. For example, there's the UCSB Model United Nations (MUN) and Mock Trial, which offer opportunities to engage with like-minded peers and participate in competitions.
When it comes to career prospects, political science majors from UCSB have gone on to pursue various paths, including careers in government, nonprofit organizations, law, business, and academia, among others. The department also has a dedicated career counselor who can help you with job search strategies, grad school applications, and resume and interview preparation.
I hope this information gives you a better understanding of the Political Science program at UCSB. It's a great place to study and immerse yourself in the field. Good luck with your application!
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