Political Science students are inducted into the timeless debates of politics while also becoming conversant with the actual functioning of the political systems of the United States and countries around the world. The program focuses on all aspects of political life, ranging from how nations deal with each other in crisis situations to how the daily decisions made by legislators affect ordinary people in their everyday lives.
Both American and non-American political systems are studied, with the aim of preparing students to be citizens in an increasingly global society.
Ripon is unique in the emphasis on experiential learning, particularly in allowing students to be involved in panel discussions to debate current events and to engage with many political speakers on campus throughout the school year. The Center for Politics and the People, International Relations Club and several student-led political organizations host an exceptional number of engaging speakers and panelists each year. Courses emphasize hands-on learning such as a congressional and presidential simulation, international crisis simulation, and role-playing exercises.
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Latest News
Henrik Schatzinger, professor of political science, and Yuan Wang, assistant professor of political science, presented new research at the annual meeting of the American Political […]
Kathleen Osberger, author of the new book “I Surrender: A Memoir of Chile’s Dictatorship, 1975,” will be the guest speaker when the Ripon College Center […]
Richard Kammen ’68, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, was interviewed March 30 on National Public Radio. The interview can […]
Advising
Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.
As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.
Advising at Ripon
Career Tracks
Graduates enter graduate school programs in international affairs, law, national security, public administration, political science, business and communication.
Others obtain employment in government, international relations, business and legal fields, such as youth market coordinator, director of marketing, ecommerce strategist, pricing analyst, campaign staff member, grants and development coordinator, national director, attorney, political researcher, development associate for major and planned giving, legislative analyst, chief of staff, policy advisor, U.S. sales manager, television producer and branch operations assistant.