Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - Public Policy and Law

As a political science major, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of how institutions, ideas, and human behavior shape politics, policy, and decision-making. Our courses will help you create a strong foundation in domestic and global politics, research methodologies, and data analysis, while providing unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities to expand your skillset and build your resume. Students in our political science program will:Analyze and leverage real-world data to answer substantive political science questionsDevelop writing skills in a variety of policy domains, including policy analysis, op-eds, research papers, and policy memosLearn how to code using R, an open-source statistical softwareDevelop communication strategies and skills to engage people from different local and global culturesCore classes of the political science major include Introduction to American Politics, Evolution of the Global System, and Research Methods, where you’ll build a solid understanding of domestic and international politics and develop your analytical skills. Your elective options will depend on your concentration, but many students chose to complete part or all of their requirement through an internship. Popular internship sites include Boston, Washington, D.C., London, Brussels, and Edinburg. This concentration offers you a framework for understanding the legal underpinnings of public policy as you critically analyze state, federal, and international legal issues and the institutions in which legal decisions are made. It's a solid foundation for your advanced studies in law and public policy, as well as a professional career in public policy, public service, private institutions, or political organizations. You can get pre-law advising in this and any other concentration if you're planning to apply to law school.