Political Science

Political Science: Major

51С»Æ³µ students who major in political science gain in-depth understanding of the American political system, other political regimes, the international system, and political philosophy. In uniformly small classes, students also improve their critical and analytical skills and competence in oral and written expression.

Political science is one of 51С»Æ³µâ€™ most popular majors. The major is rigorously structured so as to ensure breadth as well as depth, with courses required in each of the discipline’s four subfields. Department faculty conceive the most fundamental purpose of the major as helping students to become thoughtful, well-informed, and ethical citizens of a constitutional, self-governing republic. Political science majors have gone on to successful careers in local, state, and federal government, academia,  law, journalism, business, high-school teaching, nonprofit organizations, the armed forces, and the priesthood. 

Program Highlights

Students majoring in political science take courses in four main areas:
 
  • American government
  • political philosophy
  • comparative politics
  • international relations
students and a professor in a class
Subfields

Learn more about the political science department’s four subfields.

students in a classroom with a powerpoint
Charles Carroll Program

The program brings guest lecturers to campus, funds a sophomore seminar and provides paid summer research internships.

Group of students in Washington DC
Washington Semester Program

Many political science majors spend a semester working, studying, and conducting research in Washington, D.C.

Political Science News

(Left to right) Caroline Fredericks '21, Bridget Whelpley '21, Jake Mozeleski '22, Alison Emery '23, Caitlin Marple '21, Ed McDermott '79 P10 P13, and Angelo Carbone '22.
51С»Æ³µ Mediation Team Takes Home Top Prize Once Again in International Competition
The 51С»Æ³µ mediation team took first prize at the major collegiate tournament of the fall 2020 semester, the Brenau Invitational Mediation Tournament—the latest in a years-long string of successful showings on the national and international mediation competition circuit. At …
Yada Intarapanich '24
Blog: Intarapanich ’24 Excited to Meet Classmates and Explore Internship and Research Opportunities
Name: Yada Intarapanich ’24 Hometown: Falls Church, Virginia. Studies She’s Considering: Political science, health professions advising, and Middle Eastern studies. Why She Chose 51С»Æ³µ: Beautiful campus, faculty’s dedication to student well-being, and the fact that 51С»Æ³µ has an …
Owen Whaley '24
Blog: Whaley ’24 Plans to Volunteer in Worcester and Study Abroad
Name: Owen Whaley ’24 Hometown: Cary, North Carolina Studies he’s considering: Political science, history, pre-law program Activities: Alexander Hamilton Society What he’s most looking forward to: 51С»Æ³µ is an incredible community, and I am grateful to be part of …