Overview

Political Science at The College of Wooster

Along with broad training in political science, students focus on one of the four subfield areas of concentration: U.S. national politics, political theory, international relations, or comparative politics. Majors also have numerous opportunities for off-campus study, including internships appropriate to their interests and qualifications. Programs take Wooster students to Washington, D.C., or to other urban centers around the U.S., and abroad to Latin America, Africa, Asia, or Europe. All students at The College of Wooster complete an independent study project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Political science majors at Wooster choose from one of four concentrations:

  • U.S. politics examines the interactions among political parties, interest groups, social movements, and government institutions in the United States .
  • Comparative politics provides students with a broader view of their own society by putting their experience into the context of how other societies have attempted to solve problems of governance, justice, economic development and political stability.
  • International relations is concerned with patterns of conflict and cooperation among nations, countries, international organizations, and non-governmental actors such as human rights organizations, terrorist groups, and multinational corporations.
  • Political theory questions the philosophical foundation of our understanding of the political world and its implications for justice and the common good.

What are the typical jobs or career paths for political science majors from The College of Wooster?

Wooster political science graduates choose a wide variety of careers. Some enter the business sector or government service; many others choose law school or other graduate programs. Political Science alumni from Wooster can be found at the World Bank, the U.S. Department of Justice, and working in politics and for government and nonprofit organizations. Because political science majors at Wooster have four concentrations to choose from and access to internships and off-campus study, they are well-prepared for the next phase of their lives after graduation.

 


Faculty & Staff

Erum Haider

Erum Haider

Assistant Professor of Political Science; Environmental Studies; South Asian Studies

ehaider@wooster.edu

Kent Kille

Kent Kille

Professor of Political Science

kkille@wooster.edu

Wooster W logo on a cream colored background

Sekwen Kim

Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science

sekim@wooster.edu

Matthew Krain

Matthew Krain

Professor of Political Science, Global & International Studies

mkrain@wooster.edu

Jeff Lantis

Jeffrey Lantis

Professor of Political Science (On leave Fall 2024)

jlantis@wooster.edu

Michele Leiby

Michele Leiby

Associate Professor of Political Science

mleiby@wooster.edu

Angela Sponsler

Administrative Coordinator of Political Science, Global and International Studies, History, Latin American Studies and Urban Studies

asponsler@wooster.edu

Désirée Weber, associate professor of political science at The College of Wooste

Désirée Weber

Associate Professor and Department Chair of Political Science

dweber@wooster.edu

Megan Wrobel

Megan Wrobel

Assistant Professor of Political Science

mwrobel@wooster.edu


Latest Political Science News

Désirée Weber, associate professor of political science at The College of Wooste

Professor Désirée Weber contributes chapter about community in a democratic society in new book

Désirée Weber, professor of political science at The College of Wooster, contributed a chapter to the edited volume Wittgenstein and Democratic Politics: Language, Dialogue […]

Sarya Thapa Magar

Political science and economics major finds fulfillment through internship interaction with elders

Sarya Thapa Magar ’25, a political science and economics major at The College of Wooster, knew she wanted a high-impact internship in her home […]

Erum Haider, assistant professor of political science, environmental studies, and South Asian studies at The College of Wooster

Erum Haider’s expertise on climate change in Karachi cited in New York Times article

As climate change wreaks havoc across the globe, a July 6 article in The New York Times about the devastating heat crisis in Karachi, […]

Désirée Weber, associate professor and chair of political science, and Abhishek Manhas ’26, sophomore research assistant, mathematics and computer science major

Sophomore research project advances accessibility to Austrian philosopher’s writings

A novel collaboration between The College of Wooster and the Ludwig Wittgenstein Project extended the reach of the world-renowned philosopher’s manuscripts by utilizing the […]

More Political Science Articles

Major

Political science majors must complete nine courses and two semesters of independent study to fulfill requirements for the major. All students take two required introductory courses and then choose from one of four concentrations (U.S. politics, comparative politics, international relations or political theory) and take at least three courses related to that concentration. Students also must take one course from each of the other concentrations. Students also take a least one course in research methods, which is critical for preparation for independent study in their senior year.

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Minor

Six political science courses are required to fulfill the requirements for a minor. An introductory course in one of the four political science concentrations (U.S. politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory) is required. Students must then choose five courses from at least two of those concentrations to complete the remainder of their minor requirements.

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Independent Study

All students at The College of Wooster complete an independent study under the guidance of a faculty mentor, culminating in a thesis delivered in the spring of their senior year.

As a prerequisite to Senior Independent Study for political science majors, students concentrating in Government and Politics in the United States, International Relations or Comparative Politics will successfully complete Research Methods and Design (PSCI 40101). Students with a concentration in Political Theory will successfully complete a tutorial on Research in Political Theory (PSCI 40102).

Search the I.S. Database

Student Year I.S. Title Major 1 Major 2 Advisor
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Alumni

Wooster political science graduates choose a wide variety of careers. Some enter the business sector or secondary education. Many others choose law school or other graduate programs.


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Faculty Emeriti

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Gordon Lichty Shull

Professor Emeritus, Political Science

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Eric Moskowitz

Professor Emeritus, Political Science

Wooster W logo on a cream colored background

Mark Weaver

Professor Emeritus, Political Science