Political Science and International Relations (B.A.)
Resources for the study of politics in the Washington area are extraordinary, and students frequently have the opportunity to participate in history-making events that occur in this capital city. The program presents a structured curriculum of courses in political theory, international relations, and the politics and governmental institutions of the United States and foreign countries. Students majoring in political science and international relations are especially encouraged to consider a minor in communications, economics, English, gender & society, history, information technology, international studies, law, philosophy, or sustainability.
Seniors are required to complete an internship in a government agency, congressional office, corporate government affairs department, or other site approved by the academic internship mentor for political science and international relations. Seniors must also complete the senior seminar.
Upon successful completion of the political science and international relations major, students will be able to
- explain the internal logic of basic political science concepts such as power, institutions, political systems, the state, conflict, and citizenship;
- acquire factual knowledge using appropriate sources;
- interpret information as a way to evaluate abstract or conceptual ideas;
- understand the motivations and beliefs of political actors from their own perspectives;
- use conceptual ideas to evaluate novel situations;
- express analysis and conclusions in clear writing;
- understand the structure and conclusions of scholarly articles in political science and international relations; and
- understand, correctly, the basic working of political institutions in the United States and around the world.
A minor in political science and international relations is also available. Please see the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences minor section for details.
Specializations are available in International Relations and in Law and Policy.
- Students in the International Relations specialization take courses with a substantial international relations focus, preparing them for careers in international affairs in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. IR students are strongly encouraged to spend at least one full semester studying abroad, and may spend up to four full semesters abroad while graduating on time through Marymount's study abroad programs.
- Students in the Law and Policy specialization take courses with a substantial law and policy focus, preparing them for law school or public administration graduate school, or careers in public affairs. LP students are strongly encouraged to add the Law minor.
Political Science and International Relations Honors: Students who major in political science and international relations, achieve at graduation a minimum GPA of 3.5 in POL courses (at least eight credits of which must be completed at Marymount University), and achieve superior performance in the senior thesis are eligible to graduate with honors in political science and international relations.
Degree Requirements - Political Science and International Relations
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core requirements.
Major Required Courses
Major Elective Courses
Seven (7) additional courses in politics, for a minimum of 21 total credits. A second internship (repeating POL 400) may count as one of those elective courses.
Students with a specialization will complete five (5) courses for the specialization and two (2) elective courses.
International Relations Specialization
We strongly encourage students with the International Relations specialization to complete at least one semester-long study abroad program.
International Relations Specialization Group 1
At least 4 courses from this group
| POL 240 | Global Security * | 3 |
| POL 241 | Global Political Economy * | 3 |
| POL 244 | Civil Wars, Insurrections, and Terrorism * * | 3 |
| POL 280 | Contemporary Issues in Latin American Politics * * | 3 |
| POL 306 | Gender and Politics | 3 |
| POL 332 | American Foreign Policy | 3 |
| POL 375 | Politics of Climate Change * * | 3 |
| POL 380 | Politics of Latin America * | 3 |
| POL 381 | Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa * | 3 |
| POL 382 | Politics of Western Europe * | 3 |
| POL 383 | Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| POL 385 | Politics of South Asia * | 3 |
| POL 386 | Politics of East Asia * | 3 |
| POL 388 | Politics of North America * | 3 |
International Relations Specialization Group 2
At least 1 course from this group
Law and Policy Specialization
We strongly encourage students with the Law and Policy specialization to complete the interdisciplinary Law minor.
Law and Policy Specialization Group 1
At least 4 courses from this group:
Law and Policy Specialization Group 2
At least 1 course from this group:
Sample Degree Plan - Politics
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One - Fall
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| POL 101 | Exploring Power and Society in the National Capital Area | 3 |
| POL 103 | Comparative Politics * | 3 |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - foreign language recommended | |
EN 101: WR core course
POL 103: SS core course
Year One - Spring
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| POL 102 | International Relations * | 3 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
| HI | History (HI) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - foreign language recommended | |
EN 102: WR core course
POL 102: SS core course
TRS 100: TRS core course
Year Two - Fall
| POL 210 | Theory of Democracy | 3 |
| POL 230 | American Policy Process * | 3 |
| POL 250 | Research and Writing | 3 |
| | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
| | Mathematics (MT) core course - MA 132 recommended * | 3-4 |
POL 230: DSCI core course
Year Two - Spring
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | 3 |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course * | 3 |
| | Natural Science (NS) core course with lab * | 4 |
| | One (1) politics course | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Three - Fall
| | One (1) politics course | 3 |
| | Depth in Humanities core course - History recommended | 3 |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |
Year Three - Spring
| | Two (2) politics courses | 6 |
| | Four (4) electives | |
Year Four - Fall
| POL 400 | Internship | 3-6 |
| | Two (2) politics courses | 6 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
POL 400: Internship may be taken for 3 or 6 credits.
Year Four - Spring
| POL 420 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| | One (1) politics course | 3 |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |