Political Science

Hood College has a long-standing tradition of preparing students for involvement and leadership in political issues and organizations. The network of Hood alumnae and alumni currently working in the public and private sectors is extensive, both in the Washington, D.C., area and nationally. The study of political science prepares students for a wide variety of careers: public administration, law, community advocacy or careers within the private sector.

The political science major covers four primary areas:

U.S. Politics and Policy
Comparative Politics and International Relations
Law
Political Theory

Students will be introduced to the decision-making process at various levels of government. They will study public policy and international relations, including national security and terrorism. Studentw will examine the relationship between economic problems and political issues, and they will conduct research and further develop their writing and critical thinking skills.

Faculty advisers will help students choose courses that will meet their career and graduate school needs. Students planning to attend law school should also meet with the pre-law adviser to plan appropriate classes. Many students also choose to double major in a field such as economics, management or history.

Internships

Internships are highly recommended, and can be arranged easily with a wide variety of organizations. Hood's location near Washington, D.C., and Annapolis Md., the capital of Maryland, offers numerous internship opportunities with governmental agencies. And in Frederick, the county seat, internships with county and local government agencies are widely available.

Students typically earn 3-15 credits during their internship experience. Internships can also be completed during the Washington Semester (see below). In recent years, Hood political science majors have interned at such locations as:

Amnesty International
Center for Democracy
Central Intelligence Agency
Embassy of the Republic of Korea
Frederick City Government
Frederick County Government
Housing Trust of Frederick
Maryland Attorney General (Frederick County office)
Maryland Commission on Human Relations
Maryland State Senate
U.S. House of Representatives
White House

Washington Semester

Hood participates in the Washington Semester program with The American University. Students may choose to focus on topics such as justice, public law, foreign policy or a number of related fields. Participants take one course at The American University and complete an extensive internship program.

During the Washington Semester, which is typically completed during junior or senior year, students live in the residence halls at The American University.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many study abroad opportunities available through Hood College. The most popular programs take students to South Korea, South Africa, Spain and France.

The ability to live and study in another country provides a life-changing experience, and the perspectives gained will help students regardless of their future career or graduate school plans.

Model U.N.

The Hood College Model U.N. program is open to all students who are interested in global studies. Students participate regularly in simulation activities and send delegations to the Model U.N. program in New York City. Recent countries represented include North Korea, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

Maryland Student Legislation Simulation

Hood offers students the opportunity to gain experience in passing legislation as they simulate this process in the Maryland Student Legislature Program. Students go to Annapolis each spring and debate bills in the state capitol. Our students can earn one credit for their participation in this simulation.

Clubs and Honorary Societies

Hood has a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Hood also offers a College Democrats Club and a College Republicans Club for students interested in the political process.

Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN)

The Department of History and Political Science coordinates the participation of Hood College students in public policy programs hosted by PLEN. This organization strives to prepare women for careers in public policy.

PLEN hosts an annual series of seminars and internships on the public policy process. The seminars take place in Washington, D.C., and include topics relating to women and public policy, science and technology policy, and international policy issues.

Alumnae and Alumni Success Stories

Graduates of Hood's program are currently working for federal, state and local governments; security agencies such as the CIA, NSA, the Department of Defense and Homeland Security; nonprofit organizations; and nongovernmental organizations. In addition, they are working in politics as Capitol Hill staff members, campaign managers, have law careers or are law officers and hold and public office.

Several graduates are pursuing careers in the private sector in jobs such as telecommunications conference management. Hood political science alumnae and alumni are also pursuing graduate study and attending law school. Our graduates have also gained entrance to graduate and professional programs in many universities, including The American University, Howard University, the University of Baltimore and the University of Colorado School of Law.

For complete information in our online catalog, click here.

Academics.