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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2017 Sanctae Crucis Award Recipients Continue to Live Holy Cross Mission
“You offer a strong voice to the powerless, relief to the oppressed and justice to the wronged.” “You have worked tirelessly to remove barriers to access and provide first-quality dental services for Rhode Island’s infants, children and the underserved.” “Your …
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Holy Cross Takes Top Seat in Ranking for Long-Term Study Abroad Participation
For yet another year, the College of the Holy Cross has been ranked No. 1 among baccalaureate institutions in the United States for long-term study abroad participation by the Institute of International Education. According to its report, 133 Holy Cross students …
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Holy Cross Student Entrepreneur Works with Local Refugees to Create Ties, Opportunity
Finding work as a refugee in a new country can be daunting. After an impactful Montserrat class, Riley Benner ’20, a political science and philosophy double major, rekindled a company he started as a 15-year-old in Rochester,  Phoenix Haberdashery, and …