Political Science
The Randolph College political science program provides excellent preparation for a career or further study in areas including law, public policy, or international affairs.
Why Study Political Science at Randolph?
The Randolph College political science program provides students with a unique understanding of the discipline as it relates to society and state.
Taught by faculty who represent a broad spectrum of philosophical approaches, emphasis is placed on the mastery of facts and the sharpening of analytical skills.
The program provides excellent preparation for a career or further study in areas including law, public policy, or international affairs.
Given our small classes, you will have opportunities that would not find at larger schools: advanced research projects, independent studies, chances to present your work to your professors and peers.
The department offers a wide variety of opportunities for experiential learning beyond the classroom.
At Randolph, you will…
- Discover how political theories and policies shape our lives.
- Make connections between theory and the real world.
- Gain new perspectives on social and political problems by delving into the philosophical foundations, history, and theory.
- Build your quantitative and analytical skills.
Degrees offered
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science
Minor in American Politics
Minor in Comparative Politics/International Relations
Minor in Political Theory
Related Programs
American Culture
Environmental Studies
Global Studies
Sociology
The Randolph Experience
Honors Study
Studying for honors is one way political science majors gain experience in research and the opportunity to study a topic in depth.
Recent paper topics have included campaign finance reform, analyzed school voucher programs, studied congressional action on civil rights legislation, and researched recent U.S. Supreme Court actions on the Free Exercise of Religion clause of the First Amendment.
Small Classes
Randolph professors offer unique, engaging courses on topics like peace and conflict resolution, children’s rights, the United Nations, and global health.
The Honor Code
Randolph students live by our Honor Code and act with the highest integrity in both academic and social life.
Model UN Team
In recent years, our student delegations to the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York City have consistently been honored among the best.
Participation is selective and chosen delegates take a full credit class to prepare.
Delegates learn the structure, systems, and history of the UN with an emphasis on writing, research, speaking, and collaboration.
Study Abroad
Opportunities for study elsewhere, such as in the Washington Semester Programs at the American University in Washington, D.C., as well as study-abroad programs, are available.
Intercultural Competence
All Randolph students learn global citizenship with the capability to accurately understand and adapt to cultural differences and find commonality.
Internships
Randolph students put classroom learning into practice by participating in internships.
With help from the Career Development Center, political science majors have experienced government at work during internships in the congressional offices, federal and state offices, political campaigns, advocacy groups, social service agencies, and more. ing with social service agencies.
Recent internships include the Department of Veterans Affairs, Moms Demand Action, CASA, U.S. State Department, SAWA, U.S. House of Representatives, and more.
Research
Randolph College students conduct advanced research projects in their majors with help from the Center for Student Research. They present their findings at the annual Symposium of Artist and Scholars.
Unique Experiences
Outcomes
Historic Preservation Law
Janie Campbell ’12, history major
Preservation Consultant, law firm of Rogers Lewis Jackson Mann & Quinn, LLC, Columbia, South Carolina
Janie’s group works with developers seeking tax credits for rehabilitating historic properties.
“I work closely with project architects to ensure that historic, character defining elements of each building are preserved and restored, which can vary tremendously as what is significant to a 1929 airplane hangar is vastly different from what makes a 1963 mid-century modern motel unique!”
She writes National Register of Historic Places nominations and Historic Preservation Certification applications, which detail the property’s significance. She also conducts site visits to ensure work is being completed as described and photographs the before, during, and after conditions of each project.
“Randolph certainly laid the foundation for my research and writing skills. The Summer Research Program, in particular, prepared me for the type of place-based research I do now. “
Opportunities
Top Ranked Professors
Randolph College’s faculty are consistently recognized as among the best in the nation. The Princeton Review ranked the College in the Top 20 for most accessible professors in the 2021 edition of its flagship college guide, The Best 387 Colleges.
Randolph has been ranked in the top 20 for most accessible professors for four consecutive years.
Political Science Faculty
Only at Randolph
Randolph students can take advantage of unique programs which give them a more enriching education than can be found anywhere else.
Randolph students work with faculty mentors to explore a broad range of disciplines as they chart their academic path.
The Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) program provides every student a $2,000 grant to fund research, creative work, experiential learning or other scholarly pursuits.
Two courses per half-mester means you get to focus in and dig deep into your coursework while still having time for the rest of the college experience. Two classes. Seven weeks. Repeat.
Randolph graduates learn to think critically, solve problems and work well with others. They are prepared to succeed in all aspects of life.
