Political Science Major
Knowledge of politics is power – and you have the power to create needed change in the world. With opportunities for advocacy, civic engagement and real-world experience, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s political science major will empower you to become a leader of tomorrow. Students who major in political science confront and analyze big problems—like democratic backsliding, racial politics and social justice, war, and inequality. The political science major is ideal for students seeking to effect positive change through careers in government, law, and advocacy.
Why Choose a Political Science Major at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½?
With our campus close to the state capital in Annapolis and the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is the perfect place to not only learn about politics but to experience working in politics.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s location allows students to pursue two popular internship programs—one through the Maryland General Assembly and the other through The Washington Center. These programs offer hands-on learning opportunities in different settings, including:
- Legislative offices
- Nonprofit organizations
- Lobby firms
- Interest groups
- Political campaigns
- Non-government organizations
- Foreign embassies
- Law practices
Thanks to the real-world experience they receive from our program, many ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ political science graduates lead successful careers in politics and government. Several ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ alumni have been elected to the Maryland State Legislature, including Delegate Talmadge Branch (D-45), Sen. Justin Ready (R-5) and Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio (R-37B).
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ offers political science students many additional opportunities to get involved in local and national politics through ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE). PACE hosts numerous events throughout the year, including high-profile public speakers, voting drives and candidate debates.
In addition, the political science major includes exciting experiential learning opportunities through study abroad, Model UN, and internships.
Political science graduates come out of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ well-prepared for master’s programs in public policy, public administration and international affairs. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s pre-law advising also prepares students for law school.
Political Science Major Tracks
At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, students may complete the political science major in one of two tracks.
Meet Alyssa – Political Science Major
Hear how Alyssa discovered her passion for public administration at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and was able to learn first-hand how public administration functions in local governments through an internship.
Given that the major includes a focus on world politics, many political science students declare a second major or a minor in international studies.
Current Internship Opportunities
Careers for Political Science Majors
Innovative and inspiring, political science majors are motivators of change. What do political science majors do? Students who graduate our program can be found at the highest levels of government, in politics and law, and across the business world. With an education at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, you’ll be in the running for positions such as:
- Policy Analyst for the federal government or Advocacy group
- Legislative Assistant for Congress or the State Legislature
- Lobbyist
- Intelligence Analyst
- Social Media Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Campaign Consultant
- Public Opinion Analyst
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Social Studies Teacher
- City Manager
Political Science Faculty with Real-World Experience
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ employs innovative teaching by our faculty, including debates, simulations and dynamic discussions led by professors who are well versed in the political world.
Meet Your Political Science Faculty:
Taehyun Nam
Dr. Taehyun Nam is the president of the Association of Korean Political Studies. His areas of expertise are international relations and comparative politics, with emphasis on East Asia. His major research interests include protest and political development, and he is studying the rise of the Taegukgi Movement of far-right activists in South Korea. He has published books and articles in the U.S. as well as South Korea and is also a contributing columnist for The Kyunghyang Shinmun, a South Korean daily newspaper.