BA-Public Serv Global Affairs

Public Service and Global Affairs (PSGA) is an inter-disciplinary major rooted in the study of Global Languages, History, Legal Studies and Political Science. The major is intended to intellectually and vocationally prepare students for careers in public service and global affairs. In pursuit of this, the major mandates study abroad and internships while providing experiential education opportunities and embedding career preparation in its curriculum. The variety of courses and field experiences allow students the flexibility to build a curriculum and set of classes that jive with their interests and career goals.

Vision Statement

The Public Service and Global Affairs (PSGA) program seeks to attract talented students who have a global perspective and are culturally sensitive and internationally competent so that they can be effective workers and citizens of an increasingly global and diverse society, economy, and workplace. Our efforts will draw strength from Gannon’s Catholic Identity and emphasis on liberal learning, and contribute to the enhancement of the intellectual life of the University.

Mission Statement

The Public Service and Global Affairs (PSGA) program is an inter-disciplinary, undergraduate program dedicated to high quality education, research, and service enhanced by making connections across various academic disciplines. Students will be empowered to be highly skilled professionals committed to public service careers in government, nonprofits, international organizations or the private sector, supported by high-quality, evidence-based research. Essentially, we seek to inspire students to become global citizens and responsible public servants. To that end, PSGA offers its students a diverse curriculum that balances the arts, sciences and humanities with professional training.

Admission Standards

• Admission into the PSGA Program: overall high school GPA of 3.0 or better. The admission requirement for most programs in CHESS is an overall high school GPA of 2.5. Because of the higher expectations for writing and research and the required study abroad experience and internship, a higher GPA on admission will help to ensure success in the program.

• International Students: International students seeking admittance will be evaluated upon their home country’s metrics and standards. Global Admissions and Outreach staff are able to evaluate high school grades from other countries so the School will be able to admit international students on comparable standards.

• Transfer Students: current students, attending Gannon or another institution, who wish to transfer into the PSGA program, must have an overall college GPA of 3.0.

Internship and Study Abroad

While providing a well-balanced curriculum, the major also provides opportunities for innovative experiential education, study abroad and career preparation. Every student will have study abroad experience and an internship. Internships will be 6-12 credits and will be either domestic or international. Examples of domestic internships include international development, public service, national security, or opportunities at the Washington Center. International internships are available in consultation with the Center for Global Learning.

Study Abroad is recommended for sophomores or during the fall semester of the junior year. In addition to the traditional one-semester study abroad experience at an international university, the study abroad requirement can be completed with a series of short-term international trips or with a substantial international internship.

Examples of different paths students can use to meet the goal of a study abroad experience and meaningful internships include:

1. Semester of study abroad and semester-length internship (domestic or international)

2. Semester of study abroad and summer internship (domestic or international)

3. Semester-length, domestic internship and series of short-term study abroad experiences

Program Standards

In order to remain in good standing, students must fulfill the following. Failure to meet academic or professional standards will result in probation or dismissal from the program.

1. Professional standards include professional behavior in the classroom, internship and study abroad settings and are expected at all times.

2. Students must attain a 3.0 overall GPA to remain in good standing within the program. GPAs will be calculated at the end of the spring semester. If students do not attain these minimum standards, they will be placed on PSGA program probation.

3. Failure of a PSGA program course (required courses, language and PSGA seminars) will automatically result in probation, regardless of GPA. Required courses may be repeated once. If not successfully passed, the student will not be permitted to continue in the program and will need to choose a different major.

4. Students with a cumulative GPA below a 3.0 will be given one semester to achieve a semester GPA of 3.0 or they will be dismissed from the program. If successful, they will then have one additional semester to achieve an overall GPA of 3.0 or be automatically dismissed from the PSGA program.