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Political Science - International Studies

Trade policy. Economic stability. War. Peace. There’s a lot at stake when the nations of the world interact with each other. But what laws and structures are in place to help guide this process? How do we attempt to resolve conflicts? And who gets to have a say?

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Degree Types
Major,Specialization
Institution
Complementary Programs
History
Sociology
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Internship
Document
Professional Preparation
Pre-Law, Internships in Washington D.C.

International Studies, one of two specializations in the Political Science major, is the exploration of these complex questions.

The study of politics as both an art and a science involves understanding how ancient, modern and post-modern thinkers have come to understand the political world both philosophically and empirically on national, local, and international levels. In McDaniel’s Political Science program, you’ll learn about the processes of government, the avenues for participation in the political system and in government, as well as the actors involved and the means by which they exercise power, influence, and authority. 

Future Career Paths

Political Science graduates have gone on to great success in a variety of career fields. For example, one graduate is serving in a high-level capacity at the Department of Homeland Security working on counter-terrorism. Many work for the National Security Agency (having been recipients of the NSA Scholarship while at McDaniel).  Several have gone abroad for graduate studies at The University of London’s School of African and Oriental Studies, the London School of Economics, and the Sorbonne in France.

It’s very common for students to finish McDaniel and then go on to:

  • Graduate schools
  • Law schools
  • Careers in government (at the local, state, or national levels)
  • Development work with non-governmental organizations
  • Advocacy groups
  • Journalism
  • Lobbying

Distinctive Courses

PSI 1101 - Introduction to Political Science

A survey of political systems with an emphasis on theoretical principles of government and the citizen’s relationship to the state. The course will also examine the methodology of the discipline of political science, including various aspects of the political and governmental process.

PSI 2203 - International Law and Organization

An introduction to the history, purpose, environmental policy and scope of international law and organizations. Questions this course attempts to answer include: How does international law affect states, international organizations, non-state actors, and individuals? Who creates international law, and who is governed by it? What is the relation between international and domestic law? What role do international organizations play in the international system? How does membership in international organizations influence states’ abilities to achieve their goals?

PSI 2204 - Approaches to International Relations

An introduction to the major theories and approaches for analyzing global developments, studying the structure and organization of the international system, examining the various actors shaping world politics, exploring causes of conflicts and means for conflict resolution, and reflecting on the future of international relations and the role of individuals in the world community.

PSI 3306 - National Security in a Changing World

A survey of the international and domestic factors that shape contemporary U.S. national security policy and strategy. The course provides a brief introduction to traditional conceptions of military strategy and the use of force, examines the extent to which domestic political factors influence national security policy-making, and explores the merits and shortfalls of future national security strategies. Topics discussed include civil-military relations, leadership and accountability, terrorism, peacemaking and peacekeeping, and resource management.

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Special Opportunities

Learning by doing is one of the hallmarks of McDaniel’s Political Science program. And because of our location near the nation’s capital, you’ll have a number of opportunities to see politics in action.

Model UN group in Washington, DC.

Washington Semester Programs of The American University

Students attend a full semester in one of American Universities Washington Semester Programs, and have an internship in any one of the many organizations of government & non-government establishments in D.C. Programs also have travel components to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Student sitting behind desk.

Washington Center Internship Program

The Washington Center sponsors yearly programs on such subjects as the presidency, Congress, executive leadership, political campaigns, the legal system, and more. These usually last two to three weeks and are held in Washington, D.C.

The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

Students in Budapest.

Study Abroad

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Internships

Summer Research Team

Research

Olivia "Kaami" Effa stands outside of the student center wearing a black and white patterned cardigan and tan slacks.

Student Spotlight Class of 2025: Olivia “Kaami” Effa Political Science - International Studies Major

International student Olivia "Kaami" Effa developed her skills in intercultural communication during her time at McDaniel. A Global Fellow, she founded an International Perspectives club, studied abroad in South Korea, and participated in Model U.N. With internship experience at The Fund for American Studies, she’s prepared to head into a future working in research, nonprofits, and pursuing law school.

"Through my leadership positions, I was able to unite students on campus and educate them about cultures around the world," she says.

Read her full Q&A.
Sana Askari Summer 2023 Internship

Passionate about nonprofits, Political Science major interns with The Fund for American Studies

Sophomore Sana Askari earned the outstanding student award from The Fund for American Studies as part of its Academic Internship Program, which involved enrollment in a college course at George Mason University and an internship with the nonprofit International Child Art Foundation’s Global Arts Olympiad project.

Read "Passionate about nonprofits, Political Science major interns with The Fund for American Studies"
Christianna Nichols Leahy

Faculty Spotlight Christianna Nichols Leahy Professor of Political Science

Professor Leahy teaches such wide-ranging topics as Comparative Politics of Europe, Peacemaking and Peacekeeping in the Post 9/11 World, and Revolutions from 1789 to Occupy Wall Street. She is a human rights activist who has served on the boards of several prominent international organizations, and has expertise in International Humanitarian Law. Every year she takes students to a Model European Union.

View Professor Leahy’s Profile

Related Programs

Africana Studies Asian Studies Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies TESOL Sociology
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Keep in Touch
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See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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