Understand, research and assess the intricate relationships between peoples and their governmental and political systems, nationally and internationally.

Through Emmanuel’s major in Political Science, you will study such topics as peace and war, the making of public and international policy, the values held by people in particular political systems, political participation, and the political roles of special interest groups, the media and public opinion, among other issues. All of these are related to the expectations people have of their leaders and how their leaders behave.

A First-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Student-Faculty Research Highlights: Political Science & International Studies

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.

The Curriculum

View the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Departmental Major

  • POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government (SA) (SS) (SJ)
  • POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS)
  • POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS)
  • POLSC1501 Political Theory and Analysis
  • POLSC2701 Research Methods in Political Science (WI)
  • POLSC4100 Senior Seminar and Internship in Political Science
  • Electives: Five additional Political Science courses exclusive of internships or directed studies. At least two electives must be at the 3000-level.

View the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Departmental Minor

  • POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government (SA) (SS) (SJ) AND POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS) OR POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS) 
  • Four additional POLSC courses 

At the completion of Political Science degree, the student will:

  • Understand the basic tools and concepts of the discipline of political science and each of its subfields: American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory
  • Understand how the various subfields interact
  • Demonstrate a practical application of concepts and theories of the discipline
  • Be able to orally communicate effectively
  • Develop an understanding of non-Western governments
  • Develop an understanding of the interactions in the international arena
Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

Students in political science and international relations majors gain experience in government, policy-making and constituent services at all levels, with internships at the City of Boston, the State of Massachusetts, the U.S. Department of Commerce and more. They also intern at advocacy networks and nonprofit organizations such as One Fair Wage, The Borgen Project, Act Blue and the African Bridge Network.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

Students studying political science and international studies explore the intersection of research and practical experience in their senior seminar class, completing a research project on issues that tie into their internship and presenting the analysis in a senior thesis.