Department of Political Science

418 VARNER HALL (248) 370-2352
Fax: (248) 370-4299

Chairperson: Paul J. Kubicek

Distinguished professor emeritus: Sheldon Appleton

Professors emeriti: Thomas W. Casstevens, Robert J. Goldstein, Edward J. Heubel, Vincent B. Khapoya, William A. Macauley, Roger H. Marz, James R. Ozinga

Professors: John S. Klemanski, Paul J. Kubicek

Associate professors: David Dulio, Diane Hartmus, Roger Larocca, Emmett Lombard, C. Michelle Piskulich, J. Patrick Piskulich, Peter Trumbore, Martha T. Zingo

Assistant professors: Douglas Carr, Matthew Fails, Laura Landolt, Terri Towner, Julie Walters

Adjunct assistant professors: Annette Graziani-Lozen, Fred M. Mester, Suzanne E. Morkin, Robert Mourning, Donna Petras

Special instructor: Alan David Epstein

Chief adviser: Emmett Lombard

Internship directors: Douglas Carr, Roger Larocca

Political science offers a concentrated and systematic study of politics at all levels of government and in many different cultural and national settings. Policy making, law, political behavior, administration, international politics, foreign governments, and theories and philosophies of government are among the many topics covered in these courses. The general educational aim is to increase students’ awareness and understanding of the broad realm of politics and government. Many students electing this major wish to prepare for careers in public service, law, practical politics, or the teaching of government and social studies.

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science is the department’s broadest program and is appropriate for students with an interest in public affairs or students who intend to enter law school or graduate school. The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in international relations is a multidisciplinary major, which is housed in the Department of Political Science, and focuses on global politics, economics and history. This major is ideal for students interested in working with a multinational corporation, an international development agency or a government institution such as the Department of State. The department also offers a major in public administration leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. This program is designed to provide appropriate analytical skills and prepare students for direct entry into public service or for specialized graduate programs in public administration and public policy. The Master of Public Administration degree is also offered by the department (see the Oakland University Graduate Catalog). The Master of Public Administration degree is accredited by the Commission of Peer Review and Accreditation and is a member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Departmental honors and scholarships

Departmental honors will be awarded competitively to selected students from among those who have attained an overall grade point average of at least 3.30 and a minimum grade point average of 3.70 for courses in political science. Scholarships are available annually on a competitive basis to qualified department majors.