The Department of Political Science is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the political frontier through teaching and research. Our students are striving to make better sense of the world in order to make a difference in the community by working side-by-side with faculty on important events that are shaping our world today.
Gifts made to the department directly benefit our undergraduate and graduate students from the Political Science and Legal Studies majors as well as Master’s in Public Administration and Master's in Political Science. These benefits allow a wide range of opportunities including scholarships, research assistance, and special opportunities like presenting at conferences. Your gifts will create an immediate and long-lasting impact. Hear from one student who has been with us from the beginning.
Leah Craig
The Political Science Department at Ball State University has been the most influential factor in my life as both a student and a leader on campus. As a Legal Studies major, I have been able to take a variety of classes to help me develop skills and gain knowledge that will aid with my future career as an attorney, regardless of what type of law I decide to practice. All of my professors have gone above and beyond to help all of their students both in and outside of the classroom. Within the Political Science Department's student organizations, I have been given opportunities to put these skills into practice, but also to develop collaboration, communication, and leadership skills. As the President of the Mock Trial Association and the Vice President of the Legal Studies Student Association, I have become more comfortable communicating to groups of any size, been pushed to think critically to solve problems, and have learned how to be a leader. I am so thankful for the opportunities available to me as a student due to the financial support from donors. This year on One Ball State Day, donations to the Political Science Department will make sure that students will continue to be able to have these opportunities and experiences that will be valuable to them far beyond their years here at Ball State University.
Jazmin Powell
During my time as an undergraduate in the Political Science program at Ball State, I have been exposed to a faculty that engages with their students' needs, demonstrates devotion to their teachings, feeds them with their extensive knowledge, and stimulates their curiosity. When I initially started undergrad, I was intimidated by our professors. I quickly learned that they set a high standard for all their students. I was afraid that meeting these standards was not possible for myself; however, with the encouragement and knowledge of our faculty, I have been able to achieve their expectations. As the Secretary of the Global Studies Association, I have worked closely with our department, during which they have shown nothing but support. Because of our department, I have indelible knowledge that will help me in getting into graduate school or jump-starting my career.
Desmond Reynolds
As I near completion of my undergraduate degree in Political Science here at Ball State, there are three main take-aways I have leaving this institution. The first take-away is very important as it pertains to my individual growth while in college. The Political Science department has equipped me with the ability to be an efficient and productive leader, as well as learning the tools to be a fair and equitable decision maker. The second take-away is more personal, as the Political Science department has given me a new and greater understanding of myself politically and those around me, ingraining the importance of maintaining current political literacy often. Lastly, my final take-away from the Ball State Political Science department is the fact that I was able to connect and network with other classmates in my field, increasing my perspectives and grounding life-long relationships. I am most certain that the tools and techniques that I have learned during my time at Ball State will set me up for great success in the future.
Olivia Scales
I have gained a variety of useful skills through my involvement in both the Legal Studies and Political Science departments. The coursework for my legal studies major has given me skills with practical applications to future jobs, such as assembling a trial notebook and learning to write case briefs. I will be able to use these writing samples when I search for jobs. My courses in the Political Science department as a minor have broadened my knowledge of public policy and the structure of government institutions. As someone who has an interest in working in the non-profit sector or in local government, I know this knowledge will be very useful. I am also a member of the executive board for the Mock Trial Association and the Legal Studies Student Association. My involvement in mock trial has not only been crucial to developing my writing and public speaking skills, but it has also boosted my confidence as a leader as well. With the Legal Studies Student Association, I have been able to meet and collaborate with other students in my major. By donating on One Ball State Day, you are helping Legal Students pursue extracurricular opportunities, such as mock trial. With your help, these organizations can have a strong foundation for a long time.
