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 […]
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
Assistant Professor of Political Science; Environmental Studies; South Asian Studies
Angela Sponsler
Administrative Coordinator of Political Science, Global and International Studies, History, Latin American Studies and Urban Studies
Latest Political Science News
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, […]
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 […]
Wooster grad selected for two-year Peace Corps service in Africa
Thomas Pitney ’24, a double major in political science and French & Francophone studies at The College of Wooster, has been selected to serve […]
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).
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Political science major investigates the ethics of medical organ allocation
With a growing interest in bioethics, Naomi Mann ’24 designed a senior Independent Study to investigate the ethical principles and processes involved in medical […]
Third World: Bolivia, The United States, Democracy, and The Art of Putting it on Stage
Name: Victoria Silva Majors: Theatre, Political Science Minors: Latin American Studies, English What is the conflict of democracy? Is it reliable? Is it real? […]
GOP Jesus and Trump: an Exploration of the Usage of Evangelical Christianity by Donald Trump
Name: Fiona Schieve Majors: Political Science, Religious Studies Advisors: Jeremy Rapport, Terry Reeder This project intends to analyze the overwhelming support Donald Trump garnered from […]
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Name: Morgan Ann Malone Major: Political Science Minor: Spanish Advisor: Michele Leiby, Erum Haider This independent study project examined the following research question: Does the robustness […]
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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Wooster history alumnus John Carwile ’81 serves as ambassador to Latvia
For 35 years, John Carwile ’81 has dedicated his work to service—serving the United States in foreign countries. Carwile, who recently completed his tenure […]
Graham Rayman ’88 tackles history of Rikers Island in new book
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2023 edition of Wooster Magazine. Graham Rayman ’88 has a career in journalism that spans over 30 […]
Political science alumnus highlights hometown through social media and photography
When he first came to the College of Wooster, Gabe Wasylko ’19 declared a major in political science and a minor in mathematics, certain […]
Spencer Williams ’18 features as Bachelorette contestant
Spencer Williams ’18, a fan favorite during his days on The College of Wooster men’s basketball team, is now aiming to win the heart […]
Faculty Emeriti
