Undergraduate

Political Science

As preparation for vocations in government service, the law, journalism, business, and teaching, the study of politics offers an education befitting a free human being. A degree in Political Science thus stands at the heart of a genuinely liberal education.

Political Science Program

Program Tracks Available

Major, Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: March 15 (Preferred status deadline)

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Degrees Offered

B.A.

School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Political Science, Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Overview
Learning goals:
1. Knowledge of Fundamentals of Political Philosophy
2. Knowledge of Fundamentals of American Politics
3. Knowledge of Fundamentals of Public Policy
4. Knowledge of Fundamentals of Major Foreign States
5. Knowledge of Fundamentals of International Relations
The Department of Political Science aims to develop in students a capacity to address rationally the political issues that are among the most enduring and which have animated communities throughout political history. The major thus grounds students in the fundamental principles and problems of a science whose tradition is venerable, but whose relevance to contemporary life is immediate. In other words, we don’t just train young men and women to become effective contributors to the modern global economy; we educate them for the noble callings of statesmanship, of public service, and, perhaps most importantly, of thoughtful and responsible citizenship.

To achieve this end, majors in Political Science will study the work of Aristotle, Thucydides, Cicero, Plutarch, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Shakespeare, Locke, Rousseau, the Federalists, Marx, and Tocqueville, as well as the best examples of modern and contemporary political reflection (Aron, Solzhenitsyn, Huntington, Fukuyama, Manent). By engaging these texts in their classes and with each other, students will develop the skills necessary to write correctly and persuasively, think dialectically, and speak to their fellow citizens with conviction and clarity. More broadly, such an education will cultivate an appreciation for the classical and modern contributions to our own political traditions, especially their ability to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of liberal democratic politics.

This approach also exposes students to competing theories on the international system, the nature of various political orders, and the most pressing issues confronting America and the world. So while the major will prepare students to participate meaningfully in a variety of fulfilling vocations, the distinctive approach that we adopt prepares students to become reflective, clear-sighted, and independent citizens capable of contributing to the well-being of our American democratic republic. In short, we educate students to become responsible citizen-rulers.

A major in political science will cover significant topics such as:
- American National Government
- American Public Policy and Administration
- Major Foreign States
- Political Philosophy
- International Politics
Not only does this engaging course of study help you prepare for a career in fields such as business, government service, international affairs, journalism, law, and teaching, but also prepares you to contribute to the American political system.

Assumption’s bachelor’s degree in political science will develop your analytical skills and help you communicate effectively. Prepare for an exciting career in a variety of fields or for graduate study.

Program Contact

Jeremy Geddert, Ph.D.

Department Chair, Political Science, Associate Professor of Political Science

508-767-7166 j.geddert@assumption.edu Founders Hall - Room 332

An Ideal Place to Learn

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All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

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Program Curriculum

Major

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.

To complete the major, students must take the four required 200-level classes (POL 201: American Government, POL 203: Modern States, POL 205: Introduction to Political Philosophy, and POL 207: Peace & War). They must also choose at least one 300-level course in three of our five sub-fields: American Government, Public Policy, Major Foreign States, International Relations, and Political Philosophy. Finally, Seniors in Political Science must take the Senior Seminar. The Seminar, whose theme varies from year to year, is offered as a Writing Emphasis course every Fall on Wednesdays from 2:30-5:00. The remaining three courses can be satisfied as electives within the Department of Political Science.

Required 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

American Government

Public Policy

Major Foreign States

International Relations

Political Philosophy.

Finally, Seniors in Political Science must take the Senior Seminar. The Seminar, whose theme varies from year to year, is offered as a Writing Emphasis course every Fall on Wednesdays from 2:30-5:00. The remaining three courses can be satisfied as electives within the Department of Political Science.

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 every year.

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
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Minor in Political Science Course Descriptions
Assumption College 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 Department Chair, Political Science Associate Professor of Political Science

Matthew T. Cantirino, Ph.D

Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science

Bernard J. Dobski, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science

Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science Augustinian Boulanger Chair

Stephen Michaels

Adjunct Faculty

Geoffrey Vaughan, Ph.D Professor Political Science

Gregory S. Weiner, Ph.D President Professor Political Science

Experiential Learning

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.

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

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.

International War Crimes Tribunal (Tanzania)

Massachusetts State Senate

Northeastern University

NSTAR

TJX

U.S. House of Representatives

The White House

Tess Haller

Political Science 2020
Intern, Senator Susan Collins in Washington D.C

Something I’ve learned so far is the amount of hard work and dedication it takes to be successful.

Through this experience, I’m learning invaluable lessons about teamwork and leadership that I can apply both on the volleyball court this year as a captain and in my professional life after school.

Michael Turaj

Political Science 2020
Intern, World Affairs Council of Connecticut

I had the esteemed opportunity to attend the World Affairs Councils of America Conference in D.C.

My ambition for a career in global affairs was enhanced by this opportunity to mingle and learn from like-minded peers, including Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defense. Assumption encouraged me and helped me achieve this dream and be 1 of 27 students from the U.S. chosen!

Nathalie Vega Crespo

Economics 2016
Attending Law School, Roger Williams University

Because of Assumption, I was thoroughly prepared to enter law school after graduation.

Through my internships, I learned so much about the judicial and trial processes and about common and constitutional laws. I loved my experiences as an intern and I loved my time at Assumption.

Grace Levesque

Global Studies 2017
Licensed School Psychologist, Westborough, MA

The Global Studies major helped me develop a more expansive lens through which to see the world.

I gained a greater understanding of how political and economic systems, culture, history, geography, and recent events shape how we live our everyday lives. As a school psychologist, I can evaluate the many factors and circumstances that impact the students in front of me.

Shining Their Light

Tess Haller

Political Science 2020
Intern, Senator Susan Collins in Washington D.C

Something I’ve learned so far is the amount of hard work and dedication it takes to be successful.

Through this experience, I’m learning invaluable lessons about teamwork and leadership that I can apply both on the volleyball court this year as a captain and in my professional life after school.

Michael Turaj

Political Science 2020
Intern, World Affairs Council of Connecticut

I had the esteemed opportunity to attend the World Affairs Councils of America Conference in D.C.

My ambition for a career in global affairs was enhanced by this opportunity to mingle and learn from like-minded peers, including Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defense. Assumption encouraged me and helped me achieve this dream and be 1 of 27 students from the U.S. chosen!

Nathalie Vega Crespo

Economics 2016
Attending Law School, Roger Williams University

Because of Assumption, I was thoroughly prepared to enter law school after graduation.

Through my internships, I learned so much about the judicial and trial processes and about common and constitutional laws. I loved my experiences as an intern and I loved my time at Assumption.

Grace Levesque

Global Studies 2017
Licensed School Psychologist, Westborough, MA

The Global Studies major helped me develop a more expansive lens through which to see the world.

I gained a greater understanding of how political and economic systems, culture, history, geography, and recent events shape how we live our everyday lives. As a school psychologist, I can evaluate the many factors and circumstances that impact the students in front of me.

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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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Citizenship

Our students are bound for diverse and changing careers, but there is one job each of them will share for a lifetime: citizenship. Political Science nobly understood inherently aims to educate the whole person through the pursuit not merely of technical information but of the most enduring and searching questions of human life: What is just? What is the good life for human beings? When is war justified or unjustified? What is the proper scope and role of government?

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Political Science

As preparation for vocations in government service, the law, journalism, business, and teaching, the study of politics offers an education befitting a free human being. A degree in Political Science thus stands at the heart of a genuinely liberal education.