{"id":2,"date":"2019-05-13T14:24:20","date_gmt":"2019-05-13T14:24:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/political-science\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2026-11-06T14:50:51","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T19:50:51","slug":"political-science","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/political-science\/","title":{"rendered":"Political Science Major"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Inspiring Power, Policy, and Public Purpose<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2014American government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory\u2014we prepare you to evaluate human conflict and construct meaningful policy solutions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; padding: 10px 24px; background-color: #00205b; color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.5px;\" href=\"https:\/\/connect.trincoll.edu\/register\/requestforinfo\">Request Info<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Why Study Political Science at Trinity?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Four concentration options:<\/b> American Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Capital city advantage:<\/b> Situated in Hartford, Connecticut, minutes from the Connecticut State Capitol, state courts, public agencies, and advocacy hubs.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legislative Internship program:<\/b> Nationally recognized, full-credit semester program placing students directly alongside state senators and representatives during the legislative session.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Study abroad opportunities:<\/b> More than 100 programs to choose from for a semester or up to a year, including flagship Trinity sites in Vienna and Rome, with credits that satisfy requirements for the major.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Faculty-student research:<\/b> Direct collaboration with professors, including opportunities that may lead to undergraduate coauthorship on peer-reviewed academic papers.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Student clubs and preprofessional advising:<\/b> Tailored pre-law and pre-graduate advising, Pre-Law Society, Mock Trial Team, Model United Nations, Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society), Political Science Club.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p>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\u2019t think it would happen at 99 percent of other schools. \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/news\/monumental-training-trinity-political-science-alumnus-faculty-members-co-author-paper\/\">Jacob Loor \u201925<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>What Do You Study as a Political Science Major?<\/h2>\n<p>As a political science major, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n<p>Political science majors also hone professional skills such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Policy analysis:<\/b> Evaluating public initiatives using statistical evidence and qualitative data.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Logical reasoning:<\/b> Interpreting constitutional principles and legislative statutes.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Persuasive communication:<\/b> Writing policy briefs, research papers, and public presentations.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ethical leadership:<\/b> Applying political philosophy to today\u2019s debates on civil rights and justice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Political Science Major Classes and Curriculum<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Students can also tailor their studies by combining courses with specialized concentrations.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 192px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><b>Concentration<\/b><\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><b>Sample course titles<\/b><\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><b>Core topics covered<\/b><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\"><b>American Government and Politics<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\">American National Government<\/p>\n<p>Urban Politics<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;\">Congress, the presidency, elections, voting rights, judicial decisions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;\"><b>Comparative Politics<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;\">Global Environmental Politics<\/p>\n<p>Understanding Civil Conflict<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;\">Democratic transitions, public policy models, economic development<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;\"><b>International Relations<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;\">International Law<\/p>\n<p>Global Nuclear Politics<\/p>\n<p>American Foreign Policy<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;\">Global security, international law, climate policy, diplomatic negotiations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;\"><b>Political Theory<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;\">Political Philosophy and Ethics<\/p>\n<p>Prisons and Justice in America<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.3333%; height: 48px;\">Justice, liberty, democratic rights, ethics, civil governance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Browse all course options in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/political-science\/course-descriptions\/\">Political Science Course Descriptions directory<\/a> and review academic tracks on the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/political-science\/areas-of-concentration\/\"> Areas of Concentration page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can also learn more about academic expectations on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/political-science\/learning-goals\/\">Trinity Political Science Learning Goals page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Internships and Research Opportunities in Hartford for Political Science Students<\/h2>\n<p>Trinity\u2019s location in Connecticut\u2019s capital city offers internship experiences you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some of the ways you can get real-world experience as a political science student:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/political-science\/special-opportunities\/\"><b>Legislative Internship program<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b> A part-time or full-time, credit-bearing semester where you work side by side with Connecticut state representatives and senators during the legislative session.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Judicial and legal internships:<\/b> Through Trinity\u2019s dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/tcpls.domains.trincoll.edu\/about-professional-development\/\">Pre-Law Advising<\/a> network and Hartford location, students can secure placements with private law firms, the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services, public policy advocacy groups, and regional courts.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Civic and policy fellowships:<\/b> Internships with regional policy foundations, environmental coalitions, and urban development initiatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Read how<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/news\/summer-internships-open-many-doors-for-trinity-students\/\"> Trinity political science major Juan Rayo \u201927 explored his interests in politics and Hispanic studies through a summer internship<\/a> in Washington, D.C., where he helped organize leadership programs, met members of Congress, and built connections with professionals in government and business.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Study Abroad and Global Learning for Political Science Majors<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Trinity\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/geo\/vienna\/\"><b>Trinity in Vienna<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b> Focus on European Union governance, international law, public policy, and Central European security dynamics.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/geo\/rome\/\"><b>Trinity in Rome<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b> Examine European political history, Mediterranean diplomacy, and urban policy in an iconic historical capital.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Approved partner programs:<\/b> Choose from more than 100 study-away locations worldwide, including specialized policy research programs in London, Geneva, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Learn more about global programs through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/geo\/\">Trinity\u2019s Global Engagement Office<\/a> and check department guidelines on the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/political-science\/special-opportunities\/\"> Special Opportunities Page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Career Pathways and What You Can Do with a Political Science Degree<\/h2>\n<p>Will a bachelor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legal practice and pre-law preparation:<\/b> Our curriculum offers outstanding training for legal reasoning. Dedicated pre-law advisers in the Career Center guide students through LSAT preparation, application strategy, and internships, supporting students as they apply to top law schools.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public policy and legislative experience:<\/b> Our graduates can jump right into careers as legislative directors, campaign strategists, policy analysts, and government relations managers across state houses and Washington, D.C.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Corporate consulting:<\/b> Financial institutions and management consultancies recruit political science majors for their ability to analyze public trends and articulate complex recommendations clearly.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global affairs and advocacy:<\/b> Comparative politics and international relations coursework prepares our graduates for foreign service posts, intelligence analysis, international nonprofit (NGO) leadership, and global policy advocacy.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>PhD or advanced graduate study:<\/b> Many of our students, including those who work closely with faculty on scholarly research, choose to continue their studies and enter academia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Political Science Alumni Spotlight: Salima Etoka \u201915<\/h3>\n<p>While<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/reporter\/fall-2023\/alumni-profiles\/salima-etoka\/\"> earning her B.A. in urban studies, political science, and French<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me, I came to Trinity College as a low-income Black student from Idaho who wanted different opportunities that maybe I didn\u2019t 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\u2019t been able to leave the United States once my family came in because we didn\u2019t 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?\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Apply to Trinity College Bachelor\u2019s in Political Science Degree Program<\/h2>\n<p>Trinity College reviews applicants holistically, evaluating academic curiosity, leadership potential, and personal character.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; padding: 10px 24px; background-color: #00205b; color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.5px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/admissions\/undergraduate-admissions\/application-process\/\">Start Your Application<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; padding: 10px 24px; background-color: #00205b; color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.5px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/admissions\/visit-trinity\/\">Visit Trinity<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inspiring Power, Policy, and Public Purpose 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.5 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Political Science Major (Bachelor\u2019s Degree) | Trinity College, Connecticut<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What can you do with a political science major? 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