The major exposes students to changing paradigms and schools of thought centered on how institutional and individual power is gained, organized, used, lost or abused. The major introduces students to the various methods, concerns, and analytical issues in the basic subfields of the discipline: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
In this major, students will acquire broad skills regarding of the analysis of, and critical knowledge about: the agencies, functions and structures of the institutions of power; the nature of political behavior; and the principles and processes of governance. It prepares students for careers in government, law, development, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and research areas.
Available as a major or a minor.
Students can earn academic credit for internships in a range of settings such as the United Nations, multinational corporations, transnational financial institutions, cultural and political organizations, the White House, Capitol Hill, law offices and courts, political campaigns, and social service agencies. All students majoring in political science are encouraged to take part in a study abroad or exchange program to further broaden their academic experience.
Check out our off-campus study programs.
At Wells, students have the opportunity to be involved in exciting programs outside the classroom. In addition to required internships, political science offers the chance for students to participate in the National Model United Nations conference in New York each spring, meet their peers from across the country and gain firsthand experience interacting within political structures. Women students learn more about the public policy process through the Public Leadership Education Network programs in Washington D.C. Both programs are available to majors and non-majors.
