Political Science Major

When you major in political science at Washington College, you don’t just learn through textbooks, you experience your education in the field. Our faculty members believe in the power of applied and experiential learning, value innovative teaching, and are dedicated to getting students involved in field work whenever possible. Whether you’re designing election campaigns, simulating peace negotiations, developing human rights advocacy campaigns, or designing your own international organization, our classroom experiences apply the scholarship you’re reading to see how it works in real time.  
 
The political science major at Washington College is designed to provide an understanding of the political forces, institutions, ideas, and problems of contemporary society. Students in the major take coursework in each of the five subfields of political science: American government, political thought, comparative politics, international relations, and methodology. Through advising, faculty mentors help you tailor your coursework to your interests and intended career path.
 
Experiential learning is at the core of our political science major, and our students gain meaningful experiences related to politics inside and outside the classroom. There are several opportunities to travel abroad with faculty, often as part of a course, including to Ireland, Ghana, Prague, and more. Students are encouraged to study abroad for one semester or one year, attend conferences and seminars, participate in internships, engage in volunteer work or political advocacy, and more. Political science students also benefit from programming through the Louis L. Goldstein Program in Public Affairs and the Institute for Religion, Politics and Culture (IRPC), which includes lectures by world-renowned experts, field trips, internships, and short-term study abroad options. Funding to help offset the costs of many of these opportunities is available through the Goldstein Program, the IRPC, and other funds on campus. Students can connect these experiences to their Senior Capstone Experience.  
 
In your final year at Washington, complete a Senior Capstone Experience (SCE), an independent research project. A political science SCE can take one of two forms: a traditional thesis on an applied or theoretical topic or a self-designed project that presents your findings in a more creative way (ex: design and implement an advocacy campaign, create an art installation, etc.). Students choose a faculty mentor to oversee their project.  
 
The political science major is flexible, making it easy to double major or minor in other areas of interest. Common combinations include with economics, international studies, sociology, anthropology, environmental science or studies, and communication and media studies, but students have also completed double majors in psychology, English, and history. Students can also combine the major with the education certification program.