Political Science

Political Science: Major

Holy Cross students who major in political science gain in-depth understanding of the American political system, other political regimes, the international system, and political philosophy. In uniformly small classes, students also improve their critical and analytical skills and competence in oral and written expression.

Political science is one of Holy Cross’ most popular majors. The major is rigorously structured so as to ensure breadth as well as depth, with courses required in each of the discipline’s four subfields. Department faculty conceive the most fundamental purpose of the major as helping students to become thoughtful, well-informed, and ethical citizens of a constitutional, self-governing republic. Political science majors have gone on to successful careers in local, state, and federal government, academia,  law, journalism, business, high-school teaching, nonprofit organizations, the armed forces, and the priesthood. 

Program Highlights

Students majoring in political science take courses in four main areas:
 
  • American government
  • political philosophy
  • comparative politics
  • international relations
students and a professor in a class
Subfields

Learn more about the political science department’s four subfields.

students in a classroom with a powerpoint
Charles Carroll Program

The program brings guest lecturers to campus, funds a sophomore seminar and provides paid summer research internships.

Group of students in Washington DC
Washington Semester Program

Many political science majors spend a semester working, studying, and conducting research in Washington, D.C.

Political Science News

Rudy Antoncic '22 is sworn in remotely as a U.S. Federal Government Pathways intern.
Holy Cross Students Continue Experiential Learning in a Remote Semester
Undeterred by the pandemic, nearly 50 students this spring found fulfilling experiential learning opportunities through the College's J.D. Power Center and other programs
wide angle shot of commencement. Photo by Matt Wright
Holy Cross Celebrates 175th Commencement
Holy Cross announced 748 bachelor of arts degree candidates at its 175th commencement held in person this morning on the College’s Fitton Field. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a career diplomat and Representative of the United States of America to the United …
Nina Barzachka headshot
Russia Stands to Benefit From Political Unrest in Bulgaria, Says Holy Cross Political Science Professor
Bulgaria seems poised for new parliamentary elections after the country’s main opposition party was unable to form a government this past week. How will Bulgaria’s crisis affect its relations with the West, but also with Russia? Nina Barzachka, assistant professor …