Political Science

About the Political Science Area of Concentration

Political science studies people and the institutions that govern them across different political, social, and economic contexts. Central to the discipline is knowledge of the government and politics of nations and their subunits, analysis of political principles and ideas, international dynamics, political conflict, policymaking, elections, social movements, and political participation. The program pays special attention to the skills necessary to analyze the political world in a systematic and rigorous way, including a focus on research design, qualitative and quantitative research methodology, and original research.

Students have considerable flexibility in planning their studies across topics and geographic areas; some concentrate on the politics of the United States, while others develop an interest in areas such as Latin America, Europe, Asia, or Africa, and still others create their own specializations. Beyond courses and tutorials, many of our students complete internships or work in organizations or on campaigns to gain the experience needed not only to understand but also to participate in political processes. Each student’s program of study culminates in a senior project under the close guidance of a faculty member. Our program is particularly useful to students who wish to go on to government service, law, diplomacy, electoral campaigns, nonprofit advocacy, political journalism, and graduate school.