Political Science
Major, Minor
Degree: Bachelor of the Arts
Political science explores national and international government systems and social institutions, and how they interact with each other
Curriculum
Our dedicated faculty engage students through dozens of courses that cover American politics, international relations, comparative politics and political theory. You’ll examine everything from the U.S. presidency, Congress and electoral politics to power formations undergirding political institutions, relationships among countries and domestic politics in settings across the globe.
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Courses
Political Science
Introductory Courses
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Research Methods
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Comparative Politics
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International Politics
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Political Theory
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United States Politics
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Independent Research
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Major
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Interdepartmental major
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Minor
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Research
Internships and study abroad
Internships are a vital part of your Union education. The Department of Political Science runs internship programs in Albany with the New York State Legislature and in Washington, D.C. There are also continuing internships with government agencies in Schenectady County, including the offices of the public defender and district attorney, social services agency, advocacy groups and non-profit organizations. To develop a global perspective, political science majors complete a foreign experience requirement. You can study a language or participate in one of Union's many full terms abroad.

Beyond the classroom
After Union
- Attorney, Gouslton & Storrs
- Brand strategist/fashion writer/social media manager, self-employed
- CEO and co-founder, Measure (Drone as a Service®)
- Chief marketing officer, General Electric
- Content strategy lead, Twitter
- Deputy NYC press secretary for U.S. Senate Democratic Leader
- Director of communications, Snap Inc
- National Hockey League agent
- Senior managing shareholder at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berlowitz
- Senior personal technology columnist, The Wall Street Journal
- Staff director, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs
- Tech columnist, The Wall Street Journal
- U.S. press officer, Center for Reproductive Rights