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Featured Link:  • Programs of Study • 
Public Affairs 
Ethics, Politics, and Social Policy 
The major in public affairs encourages students to think constructively about contemporary social issues. Courses in political science and other social sciences provide an understanding of problems and issues; philosophy courses provide analytical and moral frameworks for evaluating problems and proposals for their solution. The major prepares students to play leadership roles and is especially appropriate for those interested in careers in government, law, health care, and journalism.

The total number of courses required for the major is 15-16 (45-52 semester hours). At least six of the courses taken for the major must be at the 300-level or above.


Laura Purdy
Chair, Public Affairs
MEET OUR FACULTY
 

CONCENTRATIONS

Government and Politics: Explore how and why the political process works by 
choosing from a range of political science courses including civil rights, liberalism 
and its critics, the U.S. constitution and selected topics in public policy. 
Ethics and Philosophy: Gain analytical and moral frame works for evaluating 
social problems and proposals for their solutions through philosophy course work. 
Study topics directly related to contemporary social issues as well as moral and 
political theory and logic. Develop the critical and logical thinking skills to make 
accurate and well informed decisions about increasingly complicated problems. 

INTERNSHIPS AND STUDY ABROAD

Public Affairs majors can find numerous internships in government, law and social 
agencies that relate directly to their studies. Wells alumnae who are established 
leaders in their fields often provide internships opportunities for current students. 
The following is a sample of internships in the Public Affairs area held by Wells 
students in recent years:

• Green & Seifter Attorneys, PLLC,Syracuse, NY
• Quaries & Brady, LLP, Madison, WI
• NYS Court of Claims, Rochester, NY
• Onandaga County Republican Committee, Syracuse, NY
• District Attorney’s Office, Kenai, AK
• Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, D.C.
• African-American Institute, New York City, NY
• Mayor’s Office, Cortland, NY
• New York State Democratic Committee, Albany , NY
 

Wells makes it possible to explore public affairs on the international stage, or you 
can learn from today’s political leaders through Wells’ affiliation with P.L.E.N. 
(Public Leadership Education Network) in the heart of D.C. Public Affairs majors 
can pursue programs around the world. check out our off-campus study programs!

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 
Holding a leadership position in any campus organization will enhance the 
knowledge you gain in the classroom. 
Check out:

Amnesty International
Campus Greens
Collegiate (student government)
Community Court
Committee Against Racial Discrimination (CARD)  
Model United Nations
United Nations-Wells College Student Alliance 
 


 
 
 
 
L ast updated 11/6/2008
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