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Political Science, BA

Location
  • New York City
  • Westchester
Associated College
Dyson College of Arts and Sciences
Other Study Options

Shape Our Democracy, Our World

Political Science is the systematic study of power at local, national, and global levels. In our BA in Political Science program, you’ll engage in a living discipline that extends far beyond classroom walls. Through exposure to political theories and concepts, and practical experiences and internships, including interaction with real policymakers and primary sources of international news and information, you’ll develop the critical insights, skills, and contacts needed for success.

Build Critical Insights and Skills

  • Participate in engrossing debates and engaging class discussions in a friendly atmosphere.
  • Learn from nationally and internationally recognized scholars who will challenge you to think critically, and grow academically and professionally.
  • Gain exposure to a wide range of issues and concepts, such as conflict, justice, rights, distribution of power, voter choice, political campaigns, political leadership, social movements, how political institutions function, decision-making within governmental and non-governmental organizations, and how to understand and approach major challenges including racial injustice, gender violence, war and conflict, poverty and inequality, the climate crisis, ideological conflicts, democratization, the role of the UN, and globalization.

Take Courses Like…

Political Science in the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences offers an innovative curriculum that emphasizes multiple perspectives in local, national, and international political life. As a student, your coursework and experience will provide the knowledge and competencies that will enable you to become a more effective citizen and leader, prepared to tackle some of the most difficult challenges facing our world today, both locally and globally. Unique courses include Politics Workshop: Model UN, International Human Rights, Race and American Political Development.

Add Opportunities and Experiences

By majoring in political science at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø, you’ll discover that the wall between the classroom and the real world doesn’t exist. The classroom becomes the gateway from one to the other, and New York City becomes a living laboratory for the study of politics from the local to the international level. City Hall, state legislative offices, and the federal courts are all across the street, and the United Nations and the offices of most NGO’s two subway stops away. You may also have opportunities to join Pi Gamma Mu, the International Honor Society in Social Sciences, Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, and ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø’s award-winning Model United Nations team, a program designed to simulate the United Nations. Students have traveled to Washington, DC and the Hague, the Netherlands, to represent the team. Students have also participated in the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, held internships with organizations and agencies including the New York City Council, the United Nations, the International Refugee Rights Initiative, the Washington Center for Academic Internships and Seminars, American Civil Liberties Union, New York Immigration Coalition, the International Center for Transitional Justice, and How Green Is My Town?—a project of grassroots environmental education and New York-based nonprofit. Additionally, political science students have won prestigious fellowships, such as the Fulbright.

Choose Your Career

As a graduate you’ll be prepared to go on to a successful career in advocacy and social justice work, federal, state, and local government, political campaigns, public and private interest groups, international business, law enforcement and criminal justice, military service, and nonprofit administration, as well as other opportunities. Many of our graduates have also gone on to graduate or law school and careers in education.

Where Graduates are Employed

New York City Council staff, New York State Senate, 67th Precinct Clergy Council (anti-gun violence group), New York Civil Liberties Union, political risk analysis.