Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

OVERVIEW

Political science is as old as the Athenians and as current as today’s newspapers, yet its study, especially in a democracy such as ours, serves to inform those who will be taking over positions of power and responsibility in the very near future.

Saint Joseph’s political science students will understand the basic principles of political science, with a special focus on the four main divisions in political theory: American government, international studies, comparative politics, and public administration. Upon completion of the requirements of this major, students will be better prepared for continued study at the graduate level in political studies, law, or several of the related areas well served by this academic foundation.

At a Glance

  • Emphasizes the development of skills in communication, research, and analysis.
  • Dynamic, dedicated faculty experts with a wide variety of backgrounds.
  • One-on-one faculty mentoring.
  • Well-connected network of alumni in local and federal government.
  • Leadership opportunities within the Political Science Club.
  • Established Washington Center internship program; students accepted to the program live and intern in Washington, D.C. for a semester.

CURRICULUM

The Political science curriculum covers topics in American government and politics, international relations and globalization, counter-terrorism, research methods, and more. For further specialization, a Political Science major may choose from one of four areas of concentration in history, international, statistics, or law.

A minor in political science is available and requires students to take 20 credit hours.

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Meet Our Faculty

SOME OF OUR FACULTY

Mark Hibben
Mark HibbenAssociate Professor of Political Science
PhD, Syracuse University
MA, Syracuse University
MA, University of Birmingham, U.K.
BS, University of Maine

Learn more about Mark

Michael C. Connolly
Michael C. ConnollyProfessor of History
PhD, Boston College
MA, National University of Ireland
BA, Florida Southern College

Learn more about Michael

Michelle Laughran
Michelle LaughranAssociate Professor of History
PhD, University of Connecticut
MA, University of Connecticut
BA, College of William & Mary

Learn more about Michelle

STUDENT STORIES

Will Hardiman ’19
Will Hardiman ’19
Will interned for the Gov. Joseph Brennan Archives. “The Brennan Archives was one of the most interesting things I have ever experienced. It was amazing to see how Gov. Brennan was able to be a Congressman, but still feel the pulse of his constituents’ concerns.”

Read more about Will’s internship.

Ray Mosca ’19
Ray Mosca ’19
Raymond Mosca ’19, spent the summer on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. “Before I arrived in Washington, I thought I had a very sound understanding of the legislative process … there are certain details and levels of complexity that can only be learned from watching the process take place firsthand. Over the course of the summer, my leadership skills have developed significantly.”

Read more about Ray’s internship.

Sara Poirier '15
Sara Poirier '15Past President of the Political Science Club
“We don’t talk politics. In the Political Science Club we’ll bring up politics, but we’re mostly focused on putting on events and marketing it as an asset of the College. I want it to be about political science, policy, and government—not party politics.”

CAREER MOVES

RELATED PROGRAMS

IN THE NEWS

Student group photo from the Sebago Lake to Washington DC trip

From Sebago Lake to the Nation’s Capital

Reflections on the annual Poli Sci trip to DC and the desire to restore respect for political office

Paul Riley ’20 of Dedham, Massachusetts, shared his reflections on the value trips to Washington. DC. When he mentions “Ray” and his experience, he refers to Raymond Mosca ’19, who spent last summer as an intern at the Washington Center and also interned for Senator Susan Collins and Representative Bruce Poliquin.

Beyond Partisanship

Rethinking Politics as Critically Engaged Citizenship