Political Science

Political Science: Major

Holy Cross students who major in political science gain in-depth understanding of the American political system, other political regimes, the international system, and political philosophy. In uniformly small classes, students also improve their critical and analytical skills and competence in oral and written expression.

Political science is one of Holy Cross’ most popular majors. The major is rigorously structured so as to ensure breadth as well as depth, with courses required in each of the discipline’s four subfields. Department faculty conceive the most fundamental purpose of the major as helping students to become thoughtful, well-informed, and ethical citizens of a constitutional, self-governing republic. Political science majors have gone on to successful careers in local, state, and federal government, academia,  law, journalism, business, high-school teaching, nonprofit organizations, the armed forces, and the priesthood. 

Program Highlights

Students majoring in political science take courses in four main areas:
 
  • American government
  • political philosophy
  • comparative politics
  • international relations
students and a professor in a class
Subfields

Learn more about the political science department’s four subfields.

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Charles Carroll Program

The program brings guest lecturers to campus, funds a sophomore seminar and provides paid summer research internships.

Group of students in Washington DC
Washington Semester Program

Many political science majors spend a semester working, studying, and conducting research in Washington, D.C.

Political Science News

Two students stand at a chalkboard
10 Things to Know About Academics at Holy Cross
If you’re looking for an education that combines academic excellence, critical inquiry and meaningful reflection, then the College of the Holy Cross might just be the perfect fit. From first-year seminars to undergrad research opportunities, here are 10 facts to …
A student leads a tour of campus
A Tour Guide’s Guide to Holy Cross
What should students expect in their first year at Holy Cross? How do students spend their free time? Is it true the College brings food trucks to campus on some Fridays? Five current Holy Cross tour guides — Caitlin Keaveny …
A photo of Dinand Library flanked by budding spring trees
Eight Holy Cross Students, Recent Alumni Receive Distinguished Scholarships
College of the Holy Cross students and alumni have earned an impressive array of scholarships this year from prestigious organizations, including the Knight-Hennessy Scholar Program and the Fulbright Program. These honors are testimony to the astonishing intellectual curiosity of Holy …