The Department of Government, Criminology, & Sociology provides students with opportunities to study criminology, paralegal studies, political science, public administration, and sociology. Our curricula prepare students for a variety of careers in government service, law and law enforcement, and social service and non-profit organizations.
Ashley Woodiwiss
Department Chair
864-388-8136 | awoodiwiss@lander.edu | Carnell Learning Center M51
The study of politics can’t be confined within classroom walls. To fully grasp this discipline, you need to get out in the real world – in congressional offices, on the campaign trail, in political party headquarters. You’ll have opportunities to take it all in firsthand through internships. We can make arrangements for you to spend a summer or semester working in the Washington, Columbia or local offices of your congressional representatives. You could also intern with businesses, television stations, and political, professional and nonprofit organizations.
Washington Semester ProgramLander students are able to spend a semester living in Washington, D.C., through the prestigious Washington Semester Program coordinated by the Honors College of the University of South Carolina. Students are placed within federal government offices or in nongovernmental offices (think tanks, media organizations, etc.) to benefit their educational experience in the nation's capital.
Department Awards
Awards are granted annually to outstanding university students from all disciplines during a ceremony each spring.
Lander students, faculty, staff and community members came together to celebrate Constitution Day with an engaging discussion led by Jason Zacher, president of Bridge Public Strategy Group.
State and local government employees, and law enforcement officers now have a convenient path to an affordable master’s degree thanks to Lander’s new online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Congratulations are in order for Lander University rising sophomore Lucia Solano, who has been awarded a 2024 Jordan Smith Undergraduate Fellowship.
