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.

students in a classroom with a powerpoint
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

Eric Fleury '08, visiting assistant professor. Photo by Tom Rettig
Holy Cross Professor Analyzes the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Watchlist, Reveals Inconsistencies
Since 1997, the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Watchlist has been blacklisting America’s enemies, yet some believe that it has done little to actually thwart terrorism attempts. Helping to break down this complex issue is Eric Fleury ’08, visiting assistant professor of …
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Blog: First-Year Student Nurtures Passion for French Culture on Maymester to Paris
Name: Lucy Rizzo ’22 Hometown: Bronxville, New York Areas of study: Political science and visual art studio double major Maymester program: “Arts and Architecture” in Paris, France. Students in this program explore the arts and architecture of Paris to trace the history of …
A student stands in a dark lab with a professor
At Holy Cross, Professors Become Mentors
With small class sizes and faculty members committed to their success, Holy Cross students develop close bonds with professors, both in and out of the classroom — a cornerstone of the Holy Cross experience. From guiding students in independent lab work to fueling their passion for a new field, Holy Cross professors inspire students to reach far and support them along their journey.