More Program Specifics
Understand the courses you’ll take, the curriculum requirements to meet, and the concepts you’ll gain mastery of. We also offer two related minor program options. Get the detailed information you’re looking for.
Political Science BA
Our Political Science bachelor's degree means education for engaged citizenship.
Prepare for a career or advanced study in government, law, and beyond.
Political Science is an interdisciplinary field encompassing elements of political theory, government, international relations, law, public policy and strategic communications. ӣƵ's Political Science Program opens doors to careers in public affairs, governance, journalism and the nonprofit world. This discipline doesn’t just produce job seekers, but highly engaged and informed citizens. It's also one of the most common gateways to law school.
High-Demand Political Science Careers
- Lawyer
- Foreign Service Officer
- Legislative Aide
- Policy Analyst
- Journalist
- Campaign Advisor
Why Earn a Political Science Bachelor's Degree at ӣƵ?
- Our Political Science degree program produces citizens who can evaluate information accurately, think critically and communicate effectively.
- Political Science majors benefit from experiential learning opportunities that include internships in public affairs, state and local government, legal professions and more.
- Our minors in political science and international NGOs and nonprofit studies enable students majoring in other disciplines to augment their education with experience in public affairs, policy and strategic communications.
- Topics covered include: American government, global politics, research and writing, public policy, INGOS and nonprofits and media.
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We're thrilled that you're interested in ӣƵ and we want to make sure that nothing stands in your way of pursuing a ӣƵ degree. Just let us know how we can help you with your next steps.
Through ӣƵ’s Washington Week/Congressional Internship Program, our students have the opportunity to intern for a week in a Rhode Island congressional office in Washington, D.C.
Political Science Faculty
In a world where many of today’s students will wind up in a job that does not yet exist, the skills we teach give you the flexibility needed to adapt to a changing job environment.
Dr. Michelle Brophy-Baermann
- Associate Professor
Dr. Seth Dixon
- Associate Professor
Dr. Perri S. Leviss
- Assistant Professor
Dr. Robyn M. Linde
- Professor
Dr. Mark T. Motte
- Professor
Dr. Natalie Rogol
- Associate Professor
Dr. Thomas A. Schmeling
- Professor
Hear from a Student
Gianna DelMonico
“I had the most amazing professor and pre-law advisor in ӣƵ Associate Professor of Political Science Tom Schmeling. He lit a fire in me.”
– Justice Studies Major, with Minors in Political Science and Philosophy
Bettering Rhode Island Communities
Experience the work that congressional staff do every day through the ӣƵ Washington Week/Congressional Internship Program.
Program Details
Course Information
Program/Learning Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will have:
- substantial knowledge of current political and governmental structures and processes in the United States
- an understanding of current political and governmental structures and processes outside the United States
- an understanding of influential thinkers and ideas that have shaped democratic values
- an understanding of the difference between descriptive and normative theory as it applies to politics and government
- the ability to recognize and assess evidence that supports or contradicts ideas
- proficiency in the use technological resources such as the Internet, online data and library-based search engines
- skill in writing papers with a clear thesis, organization and no distracting grammatical errors
- applied what they have learned in class through active participation in politics and government through internships or other experiential settings
- chosen a coherent set of courses within the major under the guidance of an advisor
- received active guidance in selection of post-baccalaureate opportunities, including graduate schools, law schools, a range of governmental services and other employment
Minor Programs
Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at ӣƵ complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Take the Next Step!
Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science oversees degree programs in political science, public administration, geography and a certificate program in international nongovernmental organizations.
- emailpoliticalsciencedept@ric.edu
- phone401-456-8056
- placeGaige Hall, Suite 240
