Program Overview

At the core of Endicott's political science program is the recognition that this era of global connectedness requires greater understanding, intercultural communication, and diplomacy as individuals, communities, and nations work together toward common goals. Through the coursework, you will examine the theory and practice of political governance to analyze policies and initiatives as well as the ideologies beneath them.

Upon graduation, you will have a firm grasp of classic and contemporary political theory, a practical understanding of the workings of local and federal governments, and an appreciation of the unique position of the United States and the world system. You will also gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive, well-informed impact in the world—and in the career of your choice in a wide range of fields.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 125

First Year - Credits: 32

  • World Language  (Cr: 6)
  • Individual and Society General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • Global Issues General Education Requirement  (Cr: 3)
  • Electives   (Cr: 6)
  • ENG 111 - Critical Reading and Writing I (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.
  • ENG 112 - Critical Reading and Writing II (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.
  • INT 100 - Internship I (Cr: 2)
  • POL 110 - World Politics (Cr: 3)
  • POL 113 - American Government and Politics (Cr: 3)

Second Year - Credits: 32

  • Quantitative Reasoning General Education Requirement  (Cr. 3)
  • Science & Technology General Education Requirement  (Cr: 3)
  • Literary Perspectives General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • Values and Ethical Reasoning General Education Requirement  (Cr: 3)
  • Political Science Elective  (Cr: 9)
  • INT 200 - Internship II (Cr: 2)
  • POL 220 - Comparative Political Models (Cr: 3)
  • POL 250 - Political Theory (Cr: 3)
  • POL 270 - Research Methods in Political Science (Cr: 3)

Third - Credits: 31

  • Aesthetic Awareness and Creative Expression General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • World Cultures General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • Political Science Elective  (Cr: 15)
  • General Education Electives   (Cr: 6)
  • Elective (Cr: 3)
  • POL 379 - Semester Internship Strategies (Cr: 1)

Fourth Year - Credits: 30

  • Electives  (Cr: 6)
  • General Education Electives  (Cr: 6)
    (must be 200+ level)
  • POL 480 - Semester Internship (Cr: 12)
  • POL 489 - Senior Research (Cr: 3)
  • POL 490 - Senior Thesis (Cr: 3)
    Or
  • POL 491 - Senior Capstone (Cr: 3)

Political Science Electives

Students must choose eight courses from the following lists; at least three of the eight must have a POL designation. 
Students may select a specific focus area in choosing their electives.

American Politics and Law

  • POL 210 - Introduction to Public Policy (Cr: 3)
  • POL 240 - American Foreign Policy (Cr: 3)
  • POL 260 - Identity Politics (Cr: 3)
  • POL 265 - Political Psychology (Cr: 3)
  • POL 300 - Contemporary Issues in Politics (Cr: 3)
  • POL 305 - Social Policy (Cr: 3)
  • POL 310 - Gender and Politics (Cr: 3)
  • POL 315 - American Political Thought (Cr: 3)
  • POL 343 - Constitutional Law (Cr: 3)
  • POL 382 - Environmental Law and Politics (Cr: 3)
  • CJ 205 - American Court System (Cr: 3)
  • CJ 355 - Race and Justice (Cr: 3)
  • CJ 410 - Law and Society (Cr: 3)
  • ECN 201 - Macroeconomics (Cr: 3)
  • ECN 202 - Microeconomics (Cr: 3)
  • ENV 375 - Environmental Economics (Cr: 3)
  • HST 317 - Civil Rights Movement (Cr: 3)
  • SOC 216 - United States Healthcare: Institutions and Outcomes (Cr: 3)
  • SOC 302 - Social Problems (Cr: 3)
  • SST 201 - Global Risk: Assessing and Managing Transnational Threats (Cr: 3)
  • SST 301 - Terrorism Studies (Cr: 3)

Global Affairs

  • POL 215 - The New Europe (Cr: 3)
  • POL 216 - International Conflicts (Cr: 3)
  • POL 225 - International Law and Organizations (Cr: 3)
  • POL 230 - Political and Social Change in Developing Countries (Cr: 3)
  • POL 240 - American Foreign Policy (Cr: 3)
  • POL 280 - Global Political Economy (Cr: 3)
  • POL 300 - Contemporary Issues in Politics (Cr: 3)
  • POL 310 - Gender and Politics (Cr: 3)
  • POL 312 - Great Power Politics (Cr: 3)
  • POL 430 - Human Rights (Cr: 3)
  • CJ 354 - International Justice (Cr: 3)
  • ECN 201 - Macroeconomics (Cr: 3)
  • ECN 202 - Microeconomics (Cr: 3)
  • ENV 375 - Environmental Economics (Cr: 3)
  • HST 310 - Economies and Peoples (Cr: 3)
  • REL 252 - Religion and Politics in the Contemporary World (Cr: 3)
  • SST 201 - Global Risk: Assessing and Managing Transnational Threats (Cr: 3)
  • SST 301 - Terrorism Studies (Cr: 3)

Legal Studies

  • CJ 151 - Criminal Law (Cr: 3)
  • CJ 205 - American Court System (Cr: 3)
  • CJ 354 - International Justice (Cr: 3)
  • CJ 410 - Law and Society (Cr: 3)
  • POL 225 - International Law and Organizations (Cr: 3)
  • POL 382 - Environmental Law and Politics (Cr: 3)
  • POL 430 - Human Rights (Cr: 3)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the political science program, students will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of content and application in the four core areas of political science: American government and politics, political theory, comparative government, and international relations.
  • Actively engage in political action and processes at any level on and off campus through field research, internships, service programs, and club activities.
  • Communicate effectively in written form within the conventions of the political science discipline.
  • Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in academic discourse within the political science discipline.

Public Policy

  • POL 210 - Introduction to Public Policy (Cr: 3)
  • POL 240 - American Foreign Policy (Cr: 3)
  • POL 280 - Global Political Economy (Cr: 3)
  • POL 305 - Social Policy (Cr: 3)
  • POL 310 - Gender and Politics (Cr: 3)
  • POL 343 - Constitutional Law (Cr: 3)
  • POL 382 - Environmental Law and Politics (Cr: 3)

View academic catalog and learning outcomes

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