Major/Minor
History and Political Science Department
Political Science is a preparatory program for those with aspirations of assuming leadership positions in the legal profession, politics, or community activism. The curriculum offers unique perspectives on problems of political violence, terrorism, genocide, and human rights abuses, and provides experiential learning opportunities to grapple with these problems in real-world contexts.
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Program Location

Available Majors

  • Political Science
  • Political Science/IR
  • Political Science/Law and Civic Engagement.

Available Minors

  • Political Science

Additional Study Options

What Makes Our Program Unique

Our program also explores the special relationships of women to law and government—as lawmakers, leaders, and policymakers.

Curriculum

REQUIRED CORE:

POL 101  Introduction to Politics
POL 103  Introduction to International Affairs
POL 217  Civic Literacy and Inclusive Governance
POL 351  Politics of Developing Nations
POL 361  Methods Political Science Research
POL/HIS 390 Environmental Politics in US
POL 401  Political & Economic Globalization
POL 430  International Organizations (moving from elective to core)
POL 456 Senior Seminar
IDS 361 Internship (3 credits)

            ______

Three of the following:

POL 290 Gender in Islamic Societies (name change already approved)
POL/HIS 325, Revolution and Terrorism
POL 370 Model OAS
POL 440  Global Issues
POL 404 U.S. Foreign Relations (moving from core to elective)

 

One of the following:

POL 202 American Politics in Comparative Perspective         
POL/HIS 219  The American Presidency
POL 412  Constitutional Law
POL 324 Gender, Politics, and the Law
POL 344 Civil Liberties/Civil Rights

Four-Year Plan

Sample program of study for the political science major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Fall Spring
First Year
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education 4 POL-202 American Government in Comparative Perspective 3
POL-101 Introduction to Politics 3 Natural Science 4
Foreign Language 3 Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) 3
ENG-101 College Writing 3 General Education/Electives 6
History 3 [16 credits]  
[15 credits]      
Second Year
POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs 3 Philosophy or Religious Studies (300) 3
ECO-211 Macroeconomics 3 COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Comm 3
Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) 3 Fine Arts 3
MAT-215 Basic Statistics 3 General Education/Electives 6
English Literature 3 [15 credits]  
[15 credits]      
Third Year
POL-361 Methods in Research 3 POL-312 Legal Reasoning 3
POL-430 International Organizations 3 HIS-330 European Foreign Relations 3
Philosophy or Religious Studies Values 3 POL-319 or 412 3
Physical Education 1 General Education/Electives 6
General Education/Electives 6 [15 credits]  
[16 credits]      
Fourth Year
HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations 3 POL-401 Political & Economic Globalization 3
General Education/Electives 12 POL-217 Civic Participation & Leadership 3
[15 credits]   POL-456 Senior Seminar 3
    General Education/Electives 6
    [15 credits]  
http://catalog.ndm.edu/undergraduate-catalog/school-of-arts-and-sciences/political-science

What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Small class sizes and personal attention provide a climate for individualized learning while custom electives, internships, and study abroad opportunities allow you to focus the major to your own interests and goals.

Woman with glasses seated
Alum

Sheri Booker

Award Winning Leaders

Alum, NDMU Class of 2004
Political Science
"It means the world that I can bring this award (2014 NAACP Image Award) back home to Baltimore, the national headquarters of the historic NAACP. I'm also thrilled that my wonderful students at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women have the opportunity to witness the limitless opportunities that come with hard work, discipline and perseverance."
Read More

Research Opportunities

One of the hallmarks of our rich educational environment is the opportunity to participate in research in your field of interest.

Nancy Kreiter Student Research Day provides the perfect forum to showcase your hard work with a formal research presentation to the Notre Dame community.

Additional Opportunities

Our students have conducted research at a variety of institutions, including:

  • Local and State Government Agencies
  • Local, National, and International Non-Governmental Organizations
  • United Nations
  • Police and Law Enforcement Agencies
  • Supreme Court
  • National Security Agency
  • State Department

Political Science Careers

  • Law
  • Public Service
  • International Affairs
    • Global Advocacy
    • Humanitarian Assistance
    • National Security
    • Diplomacy
  • Non-Profit Sector
    • Foundations
    • Think Tanks
    • Non-Governmental Organizations  
  • Journalism
  • Academic Research
  • Teaching

Internships & Employment

Gaining experience through an internship is highly encouraged. Our faculty will work with you to find an appropriate placement.

Our graduates are employed at organizations such as:

Study Abroad

Notre Dame offers extensive opportunities to enrich your education and gain a global perspective through a study abroad experience.

Learn More about Study Abroad

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