Embark on Your Pathway to Politics
Why Politics & Government?
Are you driven by a passion for power, justice, and making an impact on the world? A major in Politics & Government (P&G) is your gateway to dive deep into these critical issues. Our program is designed to equip you with a robust understanding of the political landscape, arming you with the tools and skills to become an informed citizen, a dynamic leader, and a catalyst for change.
The Major in Brief
- Master the Foundations: Begin your journey with 4 foundational courses that immerse you in the essentials of politics, from American governance to global political systems. These courses lay the groundwork for your exploration of the forces that shape our world.
- Sharpen Your Skills: Next, dive into a hands-on seminar where you’ll master the “tricks of the trade.” Learn to design and conduct opinion polls, analyze case studies, interview political actors, and interpret key findings. Most importantly, develop the critical skill of distinguishing what we know from what we simply want to believe.
- Forge Your Path: With expert guidance from your advisor, choose 5 cutting-edge seminars that will allow you to explore and specialize in areas that ignite your passion. Whether you’re fascinated by international relations, identity and ideology, or law and politics, these courses will deepen your expertise and set you on your path to success.
- Showcase Your Expertise: Cap off your major with capstone seminar where you’ll bring your knowledge to life. Create a Vox-style explainer video, write a compelling long-form article, or produce a podcast that translates complex political science concepts into accessible and impactful content. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and expertise as a political thinker and practitioner.
Exciting Classes to Ignite Your Passion
Our curriculum is packed with courses designed to get you engaged and thinking critically about the world around you. Picture yourself:
- Crafting a winning political campaign strategy, from crunching voter data to crafting persuasive press releases, in Parties, Elections, and Campaigns.
- Negotiating peace in a high-stakes crisis simulation on the 1994 Rwandan Genocide in International Organizations.
- Unpacking the political influence of the patriarchy in courses like Sex and the State and Feminist International Relations Theory.
- Exploring how historical imperialism continues to affect current conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in Ethnic Politics and Post-Imperial Conflict.
Learn from Inspiring Faculty
Our faculty are recognized leaders in their fields, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise into the classroom. They have earned prestigious teaching awards, published influential books and articles, and regularly contribute to national and international discussions on politics. Our professors are dedicated to mentoring students and fostering academic excellence, ensuring that you receive a high-quality education that prepares you for success.
Beyond the Classroom
At P&G, your education goes far beyond the textbook. Engage in transformative internships, study abroad in exciting locations, and dive into research projects that bring your learning to life. Whether you’re interning at the Washington State Legislature, analyzing nationalism and global politics in Amsterdam, or researching foreign policy issues in DC, you’ll gain real-world experience that sets you up for a bright future.
Launch Your Career
Join the ranks of successful Puget Sound graduates who have taken their degrees to the heights! From serving as Intelligence Analysts, to shaping national policy in Congress, to founding and leading innovative companies, our alumni are making an impact on the world. Whatever your interests, a major in P&G can be your gateway to a dynamic and fulfilling career. Picture yourself at RAND Corporation, advocating for justice as a public defender, or managing gubernatorial campaigns; these are just a few of the real-world successes our graduates have achieved. The possibilities are endless—find your pathway with us!
Join Us
Are you ready to start your journey in Politics & Government? We invite you to visit us and explore how P&G can be your pathway to politics. Stop by Wyatt Hall 224 to meet with our department chair, Chris Kendall, or any of our faculty members. We’re here to help you discover the possibilities that await you in Politics & Government.