Mapping your Political Science Major
Your Hood experience is about so much more than just your political science major.
The Student Success Center, the Center for Career Development & Experiential Learning, and the Office of the Registrar have teamed up to show you where a political science major can take you. They will help you cultivate, engage and prepare during your time at Hood so that you are career ready for your journey beyond Hood.
Additionally, these maps will serve as milestones and guideposts when you meet with your academic adviser.
Contact
| Student Success 301-696-3860 | Registrar 301-696-3620 | Center for Career Development & Experiential Education |
| College Catalog | Department of Political Science & Global Studies | Political Science (B.A.) |
Year One
Fall Semester | Credits |
PSCI 203 Intro to U.S. Politics | 3 |
FYS 101 First Year Seminar | 3 |
CORE Historical Analysis | 3 |
Core - ENGL 100 Composition | 4 |
Core Foreign Language 101 | 4 |
| 17 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
PSCI 210 Comparative Politics | 3 |
Core - Scientific Thought | 3 |
Core- Visual & Performing Arts | 3 |
Core- Foreign Language 102 | 4 |
MATH 112 Applied Statistics | 3 |
| 16 |
Year Two
Fall Semester | Credits |
AFPS 240, PSCI202, PSCI 316, or GLBS 345 | 3 |
PSCI 215 Intern. Relations (if not taken 210) | 3 |
PSCI Elective 1 | 3 |
Core- Philosophical Inquiry | 3 |
Core- Scientific Thought (with lab) | 3 |
Core – Health &Wellness | 1 |
| 17 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
PSCI 205 Methods of Political Inquiry | 3 |
PSCI 333 Modern Pol. Thought (or 332) | 3 |
Core – Literary Analysis | 3 |
Core -- Health & Wellness | 1 |
PSCI Elective 2 | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
| 16 |
Year Three
Fall Semester | Credits |
PSCI 303 Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
PSCI Elective 3 | 3 |
PSCI Elective 4 | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
| 15 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
PSCI Elective 5 | 3 |
PSCI HIPS Elective* (recommended) | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
| 15 |
Year Four
Fall Semester | Credits |
PSCI HIPS Elective* (recommended) | 6 |
Elective | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
| 15 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
PSCI 470 Seminar on Politics | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
Elective | 2 |
| 14 |
Total Credits = 124
HIPS Elective*- Model UN, Maryland Student Legislature, Student/Faculty research, Honors Thesis, Internship, Political Field Work, X Credits, Independent Study, etc.
Learning, Self-Exploration, and Academic Excellence
The Hood College Center for Career Development and Experiential Education is here to support you through your four-year educational journey. Whether you are headed toward additional educational pursuits after graduation or on to the exciting world of work, we recommend that you investigate all your opportunities through three distinct types of exploration. These include Cultivating knowledge of your major and occupations related to your studies, Engaging in activities that give you hands-on experience, and taking practical steps toward Preparing for life after college. Below are three tables that will help you understand these areas and associated activities. Want to know more? Meet with a counselor in the Career Center. Email careers@hood.edu to make an appointment.
Cultivate
Explore your Major and Related Occupations
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Explore various occupations and career paths related to Political Science through the Hood College website. Explore the backgrounds of faculty and learn about course offerings. | Visit with a counselor in the Career Center to update your resume and consider locations for a political science related internship. | Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either global studies or employment related. | Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either political science or employment related. Be sure to include your research skills. |
Visit the What Can I Do With the Major?, and the CareerOneStop websites. | Explore club and engagement opportunities related to the Political Science major. | Meet with staff in Career Services to identify potential internships, consider competitive national experiences. | If you have not already completed an internship, enroll in one, or complete a second internship experience, to gain additional work experience and/or college credit. |
Take the Focus 2 Career Assessment to learn more about additional areas of career interest. | If eligible, investigate federal work study positions in a department of career related interest. |
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Meet with Career Center staff to begin developing a resume. |
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Engage
Locally and Globally
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Explore club and engagement opportunities related to the Political Science major. | Participate in Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and creating a LinkedIn page. | Attend Chamber of Commerce industry related events. Speak with a Career Center counselor to learn more about these. | Attend the annual Business Etiquette Dinner. |
| Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the political science field. | Update your LinkedIn page to reflect new experiences and coursework. | Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the political science field. |
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| Shadow professionals or alumni who work in the field. |
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| Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the political science field. |
Prepare
For Post-Graduation Success
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Attend the Fall and Spring Community Engagement Fairs to learn more local organization. | Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries. | Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair and/or STEM Career Expo to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may need interns. | Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may be recruiting accounting new hires. |
| Regularly check the Handshake events page to see employers providing information sessions on campus. | Attend Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and how to conduct a job search. | Attend conferences of professional associations. |
| If considering part-time employment, work with the Career Center and consult faculty to learn about opportunities within the job field. | Select part-time jobs and internships in your field of interest. |
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| Consider taking an exploratory micro-internship in your field of interest. | Attend conferences of professional associations. |
- Utilize resources at the Library and Learning Commons
- Meet regularly with your academic adviser
- Work with tutors at the Writing Center
- Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships
Learn more about careers in political science: https://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/political-science-and-government/
- Public policy
- Urban planning
- City or town management
- Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Services
- Program administration
- General services
- Community affairs
- Social services
- Law enforcement
- Counties
- Cities
- Municipalities
- Townships
- School districts
- Departments of state government
- Legislative agencies
- Court systems
Explore more career opportunities in political science: https://www.onetonline.org/
Are you ready to say Hello?
Choose a Pathway
Information will vary based on program level. Select a path to find the information you're looking for!