Choosing where to study political science informs how you understand the distant forces that shape our world. At Trinity College, your political science education takes place in small, collaborative classrooms led directly by faculty mentors who know your aspirations, guide your research, and support your intellectual journey.
The bachelor of arts (B.A.)in political science degree program equips you with a deep appreciation of global complexities, the evolution of political ideas, and the mechanisms of governance. By integrating rigorous coursework across four foundational subfields—American government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory—we prepare you to evaluate human conflict and construct meaningful policy solutions.
The opportunity that I had to write this paper with two professors who are both leading in their respective fields is unique to Trinity College. I don’t think it would happen at 99 percent of other schools. – Jacob Loor ’25
As a political science major, you’ll examine how societies distribute power and address public challenges. At Trinity College, political science students study democratic institutions, judicial decisions, international conflicts, and community leadership. Through an engaging liberal arts curriculum, you learn to analyze complex issues while challenging assumptions and communicating with clarity.
Political science majors also hone professional skills such as:
The political science major requires students to complete 10 courses designed to build strong foundations while leaving ample room for specialized interests. Students complete introductory subfield courses, quantitative methodology, and an advanced senior capstone.
Students can also tailor their studies by combining courses with specialized concentrations.
| Concentration | Sample course titles | Core topics covered |
|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics | American National Government
Urban Politics |
Congress, the presidency, elections, voting rights, judicial decisions |
| Comparative Politics | Global Environmental Politics
Understanding Civil Conflict |
Democratic transitions, public policy models, economic development |
| International Relations | International Law
Global Nuclear Politics American Foreign Policy |
Global security, international law, climate policy, diplomatic negotiations |
| Political Theory | Political Philosophy and Ethics
Prisons and Justice in America |
Justice, liberty, democratic rights, ethics, civil governance |
Browse all course options in the Political Science Course Descriptions directory and review academic tracks on the Areas of Concentration page.
You can also learn more about academic expectations on the Trinity Political Science Learning Goals page.
Trinity’s location in Connecticut’s capital city offers internship experiences you’ll rarely find at traditional liberal arts colleges. Here, you get to step out of the classroom and directly into legislative offices of both state and local government.
Here are some of the ways you can get real-world experience as a political science student:
Read how Trinity political science major Juan Rayo ’27 explored his interests in politics and Hispanic studies through a summer internship in Washington, D.C., where he helped organize leadership programs, met members of Congress, and built connections with professionals in government and business.
Trinity’s political science majors regularly spend a semester abroad learning how other nations handle governance and international diplomacy. Our faculty advisers will partner with you early on to make sure your study-abroad credits count toward your major requirements.
Learn more about global programs through Trinity’s Global Engagement Office and check department guidelines on the Special Opportunities Page.
Will a bachelor’s degree in political science help you get a job? One of the best things about studying political science is that, rather than restricting you to just a few career options, political science students gain versatile skills like data interpretation and strategic writing. These skills are highly prized by employers across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
While political science serves as a classic path for future attorneys, law schools welcome applicants from every discipline, and Trinity political science majors go on to impactful careers far beyond the courtroom.
While earning her B.A. in urban studies, political science, and French, Etoka, chief of staff at the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, conducted research in Senegal, studied abroad in Paris, and was an active member of the campus Chapel community.
“For me, I came to Trinity College as a low-income Black student from Idaho who wanted different opportunities that maybe I didn’t have access to at home. Trinity offered me opportunities not just in the classroom but also outside the classroom. I mentioned my study-away experiences because, until Trinity, I hadn’t been able to leave the United States once my family came in because we didn’t have the money. As I think about what comes next, how can I offer other students like me the same opportunities to make the most of Trinity and then go out into the world?”
Trinity College reviews applicants holistically, evaluating academic curiosity, leadership potential, and personal character.
A political science degree builds your strengths in research and communication. Graduating with a political science degree helps you open doors to high-demand fields, including law, government affairs, business management, finance, campaign strategy, and foreign policy.
Trinity political science alumni hold leadership roles in public service, private business, and nonprofit organizations.
Political science challenges students to read deeply, evaluate quantitative data, and write clear, persuasive essays. Small classes and accessible professors provide opportunities for you to receive personal guidance throughout your studies.
Yes. Political science provides an excellent foundation for law school. Trinity political science majors have access to pre-law advising, mock trial opportunities, and legal internships that help them build strong applications to top-tier law schools.
Trinity offers hands-on opportunities through the Connecticut State Capitol Legislative Internship program, judicial and legal internships, summer faculty research grants, study-abroad programs, and urban policy fellowships.
