It takes more than a desire to make a difference in the world — it takes an in-depth understanding of the policies and politics that impact communities, as well as the ability to approach those issues with an analytical mindset.
As a political science major at Marietta, you will take courses in wide-ranging fields such as American politics, public policy, international politics, and political theory. You’ll learn to evaluate the controversial issues of political life and relate them to ethical decisions.
Along the way, you'll apply what you're learning through internships, study abroad, and/or our Washington Semester program. What better place to study American politics and government than the nation’s capital? You’ll meet leaders in government and the private sector as you tailor your time in D.C. with internships and individual research projects.
What You’ll Learn as a Political Science Major
Marietta College’s Political Science program educates students on how to look at politics from a broader context than what is shown in the media. In addition to studying the U.S. political system and its history, majors learn social science methods and apply those methods to an original piece of political research.
Research Opportunities
Our students present at regional, state, and national conferences, and on campus each spring during All Scholars Day. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors forge close relationships with students and help them connect what they learn in the classroom with research and experiential learning opportunities. The talented faculty in this department help students hone their critical thinking skills — which is key to understanding national and global political issues as they relate to making ethical decisions.
Internships and more
Political Science majors complete internships, study abroad, or participate in the Washington Semester, which is a live/work/study program through American University in Washington, D.C. Marietta College also offers numerous co-curricular opportunities for students to be involved in local, state, and national politics. Marietta students have also participated in Model United Nations, interned with the U.S. State Department in China, and studied with State Department officials. Our program’s blend of theory and practice will prepare you for law school, graduate studies in public policy, or careers in business, government, or education.
Pre-Law Program
Marietta’s Pre-Law Program is open to all students, regardless of major. This highly successful program helps students prepare for success with LSATs, as well as the interview process for acceptance to law school.
Pre-Law Partnerships
Marietta College has accelerated 3+3 juris doctorate programs with the University of Toledo College of Law and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University.
- Outcomes — Internships
- Congressional Black Caucus
- U.S. State Department
- U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s Constituent Services Office
- Marietta Main Street
- Marietta Municipal Court
- Antonoplos & Associates Law Firm
- Washington County (Ohio) Prosecutor’s Office
- Outcomes — Professions
- POLITICO — Publishing and Intelligence Specialist
- Ohio Department of Public Safety — Intelligence Analyst
- California Department of Justice — Graduate Legal Assistant
- United Way of Summit County — AmeriCorps VISTA
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP — Associate Attorney
- Office of the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives — District Outreach Representative
- Reed Smith LLP — Partner
- Foundation for Appalachian Ohio — Programs Coordinator
- U.S. Army JAG Corps
- The Lukens Company — Vice President, Political Division
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — Development Manager
- Peace Corps — English Teacher
- Outcomes — Graduate Programs
- American University
- Georgetown University
- Maxwell School of Syracuse University
- Texas A&M University Bush School of Government
- University of Kentucky
- Outcomes — Law School
- University of Michigan Law School
- Howard University Law School
- University of Pittsburgh Law School
- University of Richmond Law School
- Michigan State University College of Law
- West Virginia University Law School
- University of Buffalo Law School
- William & Mary Law School
- Honor Societies and Student Organizations
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science honorary. High-achieving students are invited to join this academic honorary, which promotes the study of politics.
Model United Nations is a role-playing exercise where students from different colleges are assigned to different countries, and also are assigned to a specific U.N. committee that is addressing usually two issues for the simulation. Over two or three days, students try to stay in character by representing the foreign policy goals and interests of their nation as their committees write and try to pass resolutions aimed at ameliorating the world problems they’ve been asked to focus on.
Marietta’s Moot Court program allows students to begin to craft legal arguments and compete with students across our region and nationally.
College Democrats is an affiliate of the Young Democrats of America, the Ohio Democratic Party, and the Democratic National Committee.
College Republicans is an organization that assists the local and state branches of the Republican Party.
Pizza and Politics is an informal discussion series led by faculty members.
FAQs
- Can I study abroad as a Political Science major?
Yes! We encourage our students to have a well-rounded undergraduate education experience, including study abroad. There are also domestic opportunities like an Alternative Spring Break or job shadows.
- Does the department accept AP credit toward the major?
The department recognizes the accomplishments of students who have AP credit. Any student who scores a 3 in AP Comparative Government and Politics will get credit for POLS 120. Any student who scores a 3 in AP United States Government and Politics will get credit for POLS 103.