Political Science (BA)

Political science is one of Binghamton University's most popular majors. Students take courses in American politics, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. The core courses address various topics in American or comparative political systems and institutions, international conflict and civil war, repression, and foreign policy.

Besides a BA degree, students can pursue concentrations in politics and law or global and international affairs.

Internships, Research Opportunities, and More

The department has formal ties with three internship programs: the SUNY Brockport Washington Program, the New York Assembly Session Internship, and the New York State Senate Undergraduate Sessions Assistant Program. Students have interned in places such as the Binghamton offices of U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer; the Binghamton office of New York State Sen. Thomas Libous; the Broome County District Attorney’s office; offices of the Democratic and Republican parties; several county executives' offices across the state; private law firms; and political campaigns at the local, state and national level.

The department offers many opportunities for political science majors to enhance their learning experience:

• College Democrats
• College Libertarians
• College Republicans
• Model United Nations Team

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

Some coursework to consider in your first year:

PLSC 111- Intro to American Politics

American political institutions, processes, behavior, and relationships among cultural, legal, and social aspects of the American political system. Applications to contemporary issues and events.

PLSC 113- Intro to Comparative Politics

Major institutions, processes, and policy problems of government and politics in representative, democratic, totalitarian, and modernizing political systems.

PLSC 115- Intro to Ideas & Politics

Major types of Western political theory, are representative thinkers such as Plato, Hobbes, Mill, and Marx. Application of ideas of these and other theorists to contemporary politics

PLSC 117- Introduction to World Politics

Concepts and issues comprising systematic understanding of contemporary world politics; nation-state, sovereignty, and nationalism in the international system; ideologies, economic imperialism, functions of international law and organizations; changing political and economic relationships; war, violence, deterrence

After You Graduate

The political science major prepares students for graduate study, law school, as well as careers in journalism, business, government, and lobbying. Graduates acquire skills that are applicable to a broad range of careers in both government and private organizations including an ability to understand complex arguments, think critically about human political behavior, and apply broad concepts systematically to concrete situations. In addition, graduates acquire strong research skills that help them pursue advanced studies to become researchers, professors, and teachers.

The following list offers examples of possible career paths that students can pursue:

• business consultant
• campaign finance analyst
• campaign manager
• congressional aide
• editor
• election supervisor
• field office manager
• foreign services officer
• intelligence agent
• international trade specialist
• journalist
• legal assistant