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

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Holy Cross Bestows 2021 Sanctae Crucis Awards
The awards recognized seven Crusaders who made a difference during the pandemic
Rev. Timothy O'Brien, S.J., '06
Fr. Tim O’Brien ’06 Named Incoming Director of Mission Initiatives
Fr. O'Brien reflects on his time at Holy Cross as he returns to spread the mission he loves
Rev. Timothy O'Brien, S.J., '06
Fr. Tim O’Brien ’06 Named Incoming Director of Mission Initiatives
For Rev. Timothy (“Tim”) O’Brien, S.J., ’06, frequent zip code changes have become the norm as part of his Jesuit vocation and scholarly pursuits. But his most recent move — one that brings him back to Mount St. James to …