Department of Political Science, International Affairs, and Environmental Science and Policy

Study Abroad

Environmental Science and Policy, International Affairs and Political Science students are encouraged to pursue study abroad programs in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Programs run during the summer, for fall and spring semesters, or for an entire year. St. Edward’s provides enhanced study abroad opportunities with 18 university exchange partners.

Eco-Lead Costa Rica

Eco-Lead Costa Rica program is designed to help students develop a deep global understanding and includes a week-long trip to Costa Rica. Led by faculty from Behavioral and Social Sciences and members of the Student Life staff, this program highlights leadership issues at an international level, with a particular focus on environmentalism.

Kozmetsky Center of Excellence

The Kozmetsky Center enriches the intellectual life of St. Edward’s University and serves as a resource for informing the broader public on critical global issues. The center facilitates discussions among experts, students, faculty and the broader public in a variety of forums.

Policy and Diplomacy Conferences

Students may earn academic credit by participating in Model United Nations to learn about diplomacy and international relations, and Model Organization of American States. A select number of students may attend the Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA) at Texas A&M University and participate in multi-day policy-making simulations.

Student organizations on campus offer great ways to learn, volunteer, socialize and network with like-minded peers and professionals. Here are some of the organizations aligned with our department.

• Pi Sigma Alpha is the National Political Science Honors Society. The society supports academic excellence, leadership opportunities, and activities that encourage dialogue and civic engagement.
• Alpha Phi Sigma is the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. The society honors and promotes academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity.
• Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law organization, meets weekly to hear guest speakers, learn about internships and the law school admission process, participate in mentorship programs, and do service work.
• The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the ideas and needs of the St. Edward’s University student body. All students are eligible to run for SGA office. 
• Students for Sustainability educates the St. Edward’s community about eco-friendly practices and works with the St. Edward’s administration to implement environmental initiatives.
• The S.E.R.V.E. program, coordinated by Campus Ministry, connects you with volunteer opportunities in Austin.
• The Dean’s Leadership Council – School of Behavioral and Social Sciences (DLC-BSS) is led by a board of students who work with the dean toward greater collaboration between students, school organizations and Student Life. The board also addresses the needs and concerns of all BSS students. 

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Environmental Science and Policy majors work closely with faculty members to gain research skills and experience both in the laboratory and at our Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Funding is available through the Hook Fellowship for students interested in conducting field research at Wild Basin and other properties in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. 

BSS Research Award

Students can also apply for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Award to obtain funding to present their research at academic conferences. This research experience is influential in helping graduates acquire positions with employers and enter graduate schools.  

Make a difference in natural resources conservation and oversight with a Certificate in Environmental Management from St. Edward’s. Acquire tools and research skills, such as applying ecological principles and environmental surveying and monitoring techniques, that prepare you for conservation and management fields in the private and public sectors. This certification is restricted to students majoring or minoring in the Environmental Science and Policy program.

Many graduates have gone on to successful post-graduate academic careers in schools of law, public policy, political science, environmental management and international politics. Here’s a sample of schools where our alumni have earned advanced degrees: 

• The University of Texas at Austin 
• Baylor University
• University of Georgia
• Columbia University
• Harvard University
• Georgetown University
• University of Chicago
• Cornell University