Our classes focus on critical engagement with current political practices globally and in the U.S. The Political Science major will give you the skills you need to pursue a career in political organizing, public policy, government, or law. Learn how to save the world… one step at a time.

As part of their degree requirements, students pursue one or more of the following hands-on learning opportunities: they can participate in Model United Nations, Moot Court, and local internships with government and non-profit organizations.

Our department offers three distinctive concentrations within the major. Students can choose to concentrate in one of these areas or can complete a major without a concentration.

Law and Policy

Whether you want to go to law school, work for a government agency, or advocate for change with an NGO, this concentration will help you develop the knowledge of the legal and policymaking process that you need to work effectively at the grass-roots right up to Congress. Courses in this area include:

• Public Policy Process
• Politics of Criminal Justice
• U.S. National Politics
• Race, Gender & U.S. Law
• U.S. Constitutional Law
• Legal Research

Politics of Environment and Sustainability

Environmental concerns are not just technical problems, they’re key social and political challenges. This concentration explores links between environmental issues, social justice, individual freedom, and strategies for change. Courses in this area include:

• Environmental Politics
• Political Ecology
• Water Politics
• Politics of Sustainability
• Technology & Development

Global Politics

Politics, economics, and culture are increasingly global. This concentration will develop your understanding of the actors and organizations that shape our world while deepening your understanding of the diverse peoples, politics, and cultures outside the U.S. Courses in this area include:

• Global Governance
• Model United Nations
• Third World Politics
• U.S. Foreign Policy
• Arab-Israeli Conflict
• Ethnicity & Nationalism
• Political Regimes & Political Change