Student Organizations
Being a student at The Ohio State means opportunities for engagement and learning, both in the classroom and in the wider campus and Columbus areas. Beyond the classroom, you can find your niche in one of the more than 1,400 student organizations, take part in service learning and volunteer opportunities or complete an internship at the State capitol or in your other areas of interest. Many political science students are active in clubs on campus, including those listed below.
For a full list of student organizations, visit the Ohio Union's student organization directory. Interested students can also learn about student organizations and talk to club representatives at the annual Student Involvement Fair, held at the beginning of every autumn and spring semester on the Oval.
Collegiate Council on World Affairs (CCWA)
The Collegiate Council on World Affairs (CCWA) is The Ohio State University's premier student organization for students interested in international affairs, diplomacy, global policy, journalism, and leadership. Through conferences, publications, advocacy, and professional development opportunities, CCWA provides students with hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of world affairs and prepare them to engage with global challenges.
CCWA serves as the umbrella organization for three distinct branches: Model United Nations, United Nations Association, and Alger Magazine. Whether your interests lie in diplomacy, international policy, advocacy, journalism, or global leadership, CCWA offers opportunities to learn, lead, and connect with a vibrant community passionate about world affairs.
Visit the CCWA website to learn more about the branches, upcoming events, conferences, and membership opportunities.
Model United Nations
CCWA's Model United Nations (MUN) program gives students the opportunity to develop skills in diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, research, and policy analysis through simulated United Nations conferences. Members compete at conferences across the country while representing Ohio State on the national stage.
CCWA also hosts two annual conferences:
- OSUMUN – Ohio State's premier high school Model United Nations conference, welcoming hundreds of high school delegates from across the region for a dynamic and engaging diplomatic experience.
- BUCKMUN – Ohio State's collegiate Model United Nations conference, bringing together university students to debate contemporary global issues through advanced committee simulations.
Whether students are new to Model UN or experienced delegates, the program offers regular training sessions, mentorship, and opportunities for leadership development.
United Nations Association (UNA-USA at Ohio State)
The United Nations Association (UNA) branch promotes awareness of the United Nations and its work through discussion, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. Members explore contemporary global issues, participate in educational programming, connect with professionals in international affairs, and contribute to initiatives that advance the UN's mission and Sustainable Development Goals.
UNA provides students with opportunities to engage directly with pressing international challenges while building a community of globally minded Buckeyes.
Alger Magazine
Alger Magazine is Ohio State's undergraduate international affairs publication sponsored by the Department of Political Science. The magazine brings together students with interests in journalism, writing, research, and global affairs to analyze international events and share diverse perspectives on global issues.
Members collaborate on articles, editing, publication design, and discussions of current international developments. Alger publishes a semiannual magazine featuring original student work and provides valuable experience in analytical writing and journalism.
Explore recent editions of Alger Magazine:
The Alexander Hamilton Society
The Ohio State chapter of the Alexander Hamilton Society is dedicated to promoting constructive debate on contemporary issues in foreign, economic, and national security on the OSU campus by organizing debates among practitioners and academics on these topics. To connect with AHS and view upcoming events, visit their Facebook page.
Mock Trial
Mock Trial at Ohio State is an academic team that participates in competitions replicating a trial setting.
Through this valuable courtroom experience, participants are able to grow both their critical thinking and public speaking skills. The team competes at Mock Trial tournaments around the country and has competed in the American Mock Trial Association National Championship the past few years.
At the 2024 National Championship, the team placed 3rd in the country! The team then went on to place first at the 2024 Great American Mock Trial Invitational (GAMTI).
Check out the Mock Trial website for more information regarding their schedule this year, who the current "mockers" are and how you can join this highly competitive program.
Journal of Politics and International Affairs
The Journal of Politics and International Affairs (JPIA) is a student-run journal published through the Department of Political Science. The Journal is comprised of undergraduate papers on various subject in political science, solicited from colleges and universities around the country. For more information and to view past editions, visit the JPIA website.
College Democrats
The College Democrats at The Ohio State University are dedicated to promoting the ideals of the Democratic Party and to providing students with opportunities to be involved in the political process through informing them, progressing their political socialization, and empowering them. They keep those students connected after graduation by facilitating personal and professional relationships with Democratic individuals and organizations. The College Democrats at The Ohio State University strive to provide a forum for developing student interest in governmental affairs and the electoral process at the local, state and national levels.
College Republicans
The College Republicans at the Ohio State University join together to help elect Republican candidates, support the Republican agenda, and become the future leaders of the conservative movement. Our efforts—whether distributing campaign literature, campaigning in neighborhoods, placing lawn signs, or calling voters—make the difference in Republican victories and drive our party forward. We represent the elected officials and candidates for general election endorsed by the Franklin County Republican Party, Ohio Republican Party, and the Republican National Committee. As the voice of young conservatives, we serve as a constant Republican presence on campus and provide all students equal access to the opportunities that can be afforded by the chapter.
PPE Society
The PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) Society at OSU encourages and fosters a community of students interested in examining current events and ethical issues from a wide variety of backgrounds and approaches. The PPE Society seeks to build a community of both PPE Majors and non-PPE majors alike. All OSU students are welcome to attend meetings.