In NEC’s BA in Politics, students and faculty explore the political, policy, and constitutional challenges and opportunities that face us all. Students majoring in politics will develop an understanding of the history of those challenges and the core arguments surrounding them, develop evidence-based approaches to resolving them, and become stronger citizens and scholars in the process. The Politics BA at NEC makes students formidable critical thinkers, writers, speakers, and advocates on behalf of those who often can’t advocate for themselves. To achieve this role of scholar-practitioner, students will learn by doing. Education in the classroom is preparation for applying those lessons to real-world challenges. Together, we push ourselves to develop the knowledge and the skills that empower us to make a difference. When students walk across the graduation stage, they’ll be ready to begin their next adventure as strong and well-informed citizens. A Politics, BA degree can help individuals cultivate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental political structures and systems. They can also participate in the wide array of hands-on opportunities that NEC offers. Students in the BA in Politics program work with advocacy organizations and interest groups, and some interns can work in legislative offices in Washington, DC, or in Concord, New Hampshire. Students have also interned in other state capitols and at the White House and the Office of the First Lady. For those who wish to pursue a law degree, students have interned with various law firms. Our BA in Politics majors have staffed election campaigns and worked to get presidents, governors, senators, members of Congress, and mayors elected. They can also participate in the College Convention, held every four years. This event, organized and run by NEC students, brings together hundreds of students from a variety of educational backgrounds from public, private, homeschool, and charter high schools to technical schools and colleges to engage in the political process in an exciting, hands-on, and unique way. With the help of student facilitators, NEC hosts debates for U.S. Senate, House, and gubernatorial races as well as meet-the-candidate events for those running for local offices.
