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Undergraduate

Political Science

Explore, analyze, and participate in the enduring political questions facing our world.

What is Political Science?

The study of politics explores the fundamental principles and problems of the political order, and the most pressing issues confronting America and the world. Through examining the enduring and contemporary issues in political history, this program prepares students to think, communicate, and participate meaningfully in the modern global economy. Not only does this engaging course of study help you prepare for careers in fields such as business, government service, international affairs, journalism, law, and teaching, but also prepares you to understand and contribute to the American political system.

Political Science at Assumption

Through the scope of a liberal arts education, Assumption’s bachelor’s degree in political science will develop your analytical skills and help you communicate effectively. The major grounds students in the fundamental principles and problems of political science with a focus on relevance in the modern world. This major covers significant topics such as: American National Government, American Public Policy and Administration, Major Foreign States, Political Philosophy, and International Politics.

Program Contact

Geoffrey Vaughan, Ph.D

Professor Political Science
508-767-7038 Founders Hall - Room 301

100%
All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants
Students from 29 states and 21 countries
11:1
Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

  • To earn a major in Political Science, a student must complete at least 11 classes in the discipline and may take up to as many as 14. While the introductory level course (POL 110: Quest for Justice) is not required for the major, the class does provide a broad and intensive introduction to the study of politics. We thus encourage students who are interested in the study of politics to take this course as soon as possible.

    Required Courses (11 courses)

    POL 110 Political Issues for Americans: The Quest for Justice
    POL 201 American Government
    POL 203 Modern States
    POL 205 Political Philosophy
    POL 207 Peace and War
    POL 409 Research Seminar

    One course from three of the following five areas (3)

    POL 310-319 American National Government
    POL 320-329 American Public Policy
    POL 330-349 Major Foreign States
    POL 350-359 Political Philosophy
    POL 370-379 International Politics

    The major in Political Science is designed in such a way that all of the courses integrate effectively with one another. There is thus no narrowly prescribed pathway through the major. But because our 200-level courses (POL 201, 203, 205, 207) do not have prerequisites, our majors must take these classes before or in conjunction with relevant 300-level offerings. As such, these intermediate courses are usually taken during Freshman and Sophomore years. There is no prescribed order in which the 200-level offerings need to be taken. And more than one 200-level course can be taken at the same time. As a general practice, all 200-level intermediate courses are offered every semester. Majors in Political Science complete their 300-level requirements during their Junior and Senior years.

    A special topics course in Political Science (POL 399ST) can depend on its theme and content, fulfill any of our upper division course requirements. Students should consult with the Department Chair. Students thinking about pursuing a career in the law may want to consider minoring in Law, Ethics, and Constitutional Studies (LEX), an interdisciplinary minor between Philosophy and Political Science. The four required courses of this seven course minor are offered over every two-year period.

    Course Descriptions

  • The minor in Political Science consists of six courses. Students must complete three of the four 200-level courses (POL 201, 203, 205, 207), and must take at least two classes above 207. As with the major, there is no narrowly prescribed pathway through the minor. And students must earn at least a 2.0 or higher.​​​​​

    POL 201 American Government
    POL 203 Modern States
    POL 205 Political Philosophy
    POL 207 Peace and War

    Of the three additional courses, two are required to be above POL 207 producing a total of 18 credits of political science.

    Course Descriptions

  • Assumption University participates in 3+3 Programs with the following law schools: Western New England, Duquesne University, University of Vermont, and New England College of Law. These partnerships allow eligible students to apply for admission to law school during their Junior year. To be eligible, students must complete the requirements for both the Core and their majors by the end of their third year at Assumption. They must also earn the minimum GPAs and LSAT scores established by the relevant law school. Students who gain admission to one of these institutions will count their first year in law school towards the fourth year of their undergraduate degree, earning both a BA and a JD in six, not seven, years.

Faculty

Jeremy Geddert, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Political Science Associate Professor of Political Science LEX Director
Bernard J. Dobski, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science
Brigid Flaherty
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Stephen Michaels
Adjunct Faculty
Geoffrey Vaughan, Ph.D
Professor Political Science

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.


Pathways to Success

Testifying to the virtue of our distinctive and classical study of politics, our graduates have studied at world renowned institutions and are employed in industries from healthcare to finance to government at all levels.

Avery Dennison

Boston Financial Corp.

Cambridge University (UK)

International War Crimes Tribunal (Tanzania)

Massachusetts State Senate

Northeastern University

NSTAR

TJX

U.S. House of Representatives

United States Senate

The White House

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

The Moynihan Center


Cultivating Thoughtful Citizens

The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan was not only a revered statesman but also a respected scholar who made immeasurable contributions as a professor, White House chief of staff and United States Senator. How can the teachings of Senator Moynihan impact your development as a contributing member of society?

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