Political Science (B.A.)

Program Overview

Political Science Tracks

With a foundation in the liberal arts, political science is a truly interdisciplinary program. It is suitable for a double major combined with business administration, economics, history or a similar discipline. Political science offers two tracks: American politics and global politics. The American politics track focuses on institutions, elections and political behavior in the United States. The global politics track offers interdisciplinary exposure to global issues and diverse cultures. In either concentration, you will be encouraged to take courses across a wide range of subjects to prepare you for a variety of careers in the public or private sectors. The political science major provides you with an introduction to decision making at various levels of government, an understanding of public policy formation, and the correlation between political and economic problems. You will gain experience in research and the world of politics, with a solid foundation in critical thinking and writing.

Disciplines

The political science courses cover four areas in the discipline:

• U.S. politics and policy
• Comparative politics and international relations
• Law
• Political theory

The political science major provides students with an introduction to decision making at various levels of government. You will learn to understand how public policy is formed as well as the correlation between political and economic problems. You will gain experience in research, exposure to the practical world of politics and strong communication skills.

Beyond the Classroom

Hood’s location offers numerous internship opportunities with local, state and federal government agencies as well as access to professional conferences and field-based learning.

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Amnesty International
• Frederick City/County Government
• Maryland Attorney General
• Maryland State Senate
• U.S. House of Representatives

Hood participates in the Washington Semester Program with American University, where students live in the residence halls, take a course and complete an extensive internship program during their junior or senior year, connecting classroom learning with real- world policy and justice practice. The Maryland Student Legislature (MSL) provides real-world civics education through legislative simulation experiences with other college students from across Maryland. The Model United Nations is an organization designed to spread awareness of the United Nations and its mission. Model UN seeks to foster collaborative problem solving through diverse, engaged student membership. The organization attends two conferences a year, typically in Washington, D.C. The Shirley Conner Hardinge Center for Global and International Studies enhances the teaching, learning and research of global issues at Hood College. The center prepares you to pursue internships, study abroad experiences, departmental honors papers and other co-curricular activities, while supporting engagement in evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to justice and policy.

See our course catalog for more information on this program. Hood College also offers a minor in political science.