Political Science

Political Science: Major

海角社区 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 海角社区’ 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鈥檚 four subfields.

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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

Eric Fleury '08, visiting assistant professor. Photo by Tom Rettig
海角社区 Professor Analyzes the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Watchlist, Reveals Inconsistencies
Since 1997, the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Watchlist has been blacklisting America鈥檚 enemies, yet some believe that it has done little to actually thwart terrorism attempts. Helping to break down this complex issue is Eric Fleury 鈥08, visiting assistant professor of 鈥
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Blog: First-Year Student Nurtures Passion for French Culture on Maymester to Paris
Name: Lucy Rizzo 鈥22 Hometown: Bronxville, New York Areas of study:聽Political science and visual art studio聽double major Maymester program:聽鈥淎rts and Architecture鈥 in Paris, France. Students in this program explore the arts and architecture of Paris to trace the history of 鈥
A student stands in a dark lab with a professor
At 海角社区, Professors Become Mentors
With small class sizes and faculty members committed to their success, 海角社区 students develop close bonds with professors, both in and out of the classroom 鈥 a cornerstone of the 海角社区 experience. From guiding students in independent lab work to fueling their passion for a new field, 海角社区 professors inspire students to reach far and support them along their journey.