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

Nate Chung plays his guitar in the Brooks Digital Media Studio.
Hitting the Right Notes: Nate Chung ’18 Segues from the U.S. Senate to Pop Musician to Consultant
A typical resume from a soon-to-graduate political science major might include a well-connected internship or two. And indeed Nate Chung’s resume starts with an impressive stint in Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office (D-NH), but then it veers, rollercoaster style, from busking …
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Photos: Holy Cross Student Entrepreneurs Compete for Funding in Annual ‘Shark Tank’ Competition
It was a funding frenzy last Thursday as the College of the Holy Cross hosted its sixth annual “Shark Tank” competition, based on the popular television show. Held by the Ciocca Office of Entrepreneurial Studies, students with innovative ideas for …
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Holy Cross Alumna Finds Harmony Between Career in Law and Passion for Opera
Madelaine Lane, College of the Holy Cross graduate of 2004 and current partner at Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, has found a way to pursue a career in law while still performing her passion: opera. Lane found her love for …