Political Science

Understand, research and assess the intricate relationships between peoples and their governmental and political systems, nationally and internationally.

Through Emmanuel’s major in Political Science, you will study such topics as peace and war, the making of public and international policy, the values held by people in particular political systems, political participation, and the political roles of special interest groups, the media and public opinion, among other issues. All of these are related to the expectations people have of their leaders and how their leaders behave.

The Curriculum

Major Requirements

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Departmental Major

POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government (SA) (SS) (SJ)
POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS)
POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS)
POLSC1501 Political Theory and Analysis
POLSC2701 Research Methods in Political Science (SS)(WI)
POLSC4100 Senior Seminar and Internship in Political Science
Electives: Five additional Political Science courses exclusive of internships or directed studies. At least two electives must be at the 3000-level.

Minor Requirements

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Departmental Minor

POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government (SA) (SS) (SJ) AND POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS) OR POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS)
Four additional POLSC courses

Learning Goals & Outcomes

At the completion of Political Science degree, the student will:

Understand the basic tools and concepts of the discipline of political science and each of its subfields: American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory
Understand how the various subfields interact
Demonstrate a practical application of concepts and theories of the discipline
Be able to orally communicate effectively
Develop an understanding of non-Western governments
Develop an understanding of the interactions in the international arena

What can I do with a degree in political science?

What are some career paths?

A major in political science can lead to a variety of career paths in government, law, business, media, and more. Here are some potential career options:

Government: Political science majors can work in government at the local, state, or federal level in various roles, such as policy analyst, legislative aide, campaign manager, or elected official.
Law: Political science majors can use their analytical and critical thinking skills to pursue a career in law, including becoming a lawyer, paralegal, or legal assistant.
Nonprofit and advocacy organizations: Political science majors can work for nonprofit organizations or advocacy groups to help advance social and political causes, such as human rights, environmental protection, or social justice.
Business and finance: Political science majors can work in the business and finance industry, using their analytical skills to work in areas such as public relations, marketing, or research.
International relations: Political science majors can work in international relations, including jobs in foreign service, international organizations, or multinational corporations.
Journalism and media: Political science majors can work in journalism or media, using their knowledge of politics and government to write and report on political events and issues.

Overall, a major in political science can open up many exciting career opportunities in various fields, including government, law, advocacy, business, international relations, and media.

What are some in-demand skills?

Political science majors develop a wide range of skills through their coursework, research, and extracurricular activities. Here are some of the key skills that political science majors tend to possess:

Critical thinking: Political science majors are trained to analyze complex issues and arguments and to evaluate evidence objectively.
Research and analysis: Political science majors are skilled in gathering and interpreting data, conducting surveys, and analyzing statistical information.
Communication: Political science majors are skilled communicators who can write and speak persuasively to diverse audiences, including policymakers, scholars, and the general public.
Problem-solving: Political science majors are trained to identify problems and develop creative solutions to address them.
Leadership: Political science majors often hold leadership roles in student organizations and political campaigns, developing skills in decision-making, teamwork, and organizational management.
Cross-cultural competency: Political science majors often study global politics and international relations, which helps them develop a deep understanding of diverse cultures, values, and perspectives.
Ethics and professionalism: Political science majors often study political ethics and are trained to conduct themselves professionally and ethically in their careers.

Overall, political science majors possess a range of skills that are highly valued in a variety of industries, including government, law, business, journalism, and nonprofit organizations.

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues.

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

Students in political science and international relations majors gain experience in government, policy-making and constituent services at all levels, with internships at the City of Boston, the State of Massachusetts, the U.S. Department of Commerce and more. They also intern at advocacy networks and nonprofit organizations such as One Fair Wage, The Borgen Project, Act Blue and the African Bridge Network.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

Students studying political science and international studies explore the intersection of research and practical experience in their senior seminar class, completing a research project on issues that tie into their internship and presenting the analysis in a senior thesis.

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