Politics (B.A.)

we want you to understand how political, economic, cultural, sexual, and racial power structures work. Our interdisciplinary, transnational, and cross-cultural curriculum is designed to be flexible, and it includes nontraditional coursework that emphasizes analysis of the relationships of power. You have the freedom to choose from course options to develop traditional and/or more innovative methods of study, especially at the intermediate, seminar, and tutorial levels.

Our rigorous coursework is founded on small classes, intense dialogue, and close collaboration with faculty who work at the cutting edge of their fields. By the end of your four years, you'll be expected to have developed intermediate competency in a second language, which may help shape the area of your interest. You'll also be strongly encouraged to seek experience outside the classroom. Our students intern with state and local representatives, social service agencies, professional associations, law offices, and schools.

If you want to focus your studies on global issues, you can declare a concentration in international studies. The concentration requires an extra international politics course beyond the regular major, plus a course in either history or anthropology. You’ll choose your upper-level politics courses from the wide range of globally focused courses offered by the department. You’ll also take six credits of a second language beyond the regular politics language requirement.

For students majoring in fields other than politics, we now offer minors in politics and international politics.

Our politics major will prepare you for careers in public service, foreign relations, NGOs, international organizations, and international business. And you'll be well prepared to enter law school or graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, such as the environment, human rights, international and global affairs, journalism, and business.