Political Science

Political Science: Major

17勛圖厙 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 17勛圖厙 most popular majors. The major is rigorously structured so as to ensure breadth as well as depth, with courses required in each of the disciplines 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 departments 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

Nina Barzachka headshot
Russia Stands to Benefit From Political Unrest in Bulgaria, Says 17勛圖厙 Political Science Professor
Bulgaria seems poised for new parliamentary elections after the countrys main opposition party was unable to form a government this past week. How will Bulgarias crisis affect its relations with the West, but also with Russia? Nina Barzachka, assistant professor
Emma Davison '21 headshot
Emma Davison 21 Named Class of 2021 Valedictorian
Emma Davison 21 has been selected to deliver the Class of 2021 valedictory address at the Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 21. Emma is a political science and Middle Eastern studies double major with a concentration in peace and conflict
A graduating student waves her diploma at the 2019 17勛圖厙 graduation.
Center for Career Development Focuses on the Lifelong Value of a 17勛圖厙 Education
As graduation season approaches for colleges across the country, students are focusing on the next step after commencement but at the 17勛圖厙, the what next and, more importantly, the why have been questions in progress