Political Science

Overview

The Political Science program at Salve Regina University covers the full range of the discipline’s subfields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory.

Our Program

Students have ample opportunities for exploration and discovery through a range of internships statewide as well as our proximity to Newport’s Naval War College and the University’s Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, where a variety of speakers and presentations consider the domestic and international issues dominating world events.

Small classes, led by a highly qualified faculty, enable students to work closely with each other and with their professors. Our challenging curriculum is designed to foster analytical skills and encourage discourse as students learn to gather relevant information, develop logical arguments and approach problem-solving with informed perspective.

Majors may choose a concentration in either American government or international relations and comparative politics. Through our popular accelerated program, qualified undergraduates can earn their bachelor's degree in political science and a master’s degree in international relations within five years.

Life After Salve

With extensive training in research, analysis, writing and public speaking, our students are well prepared for both graduate programs and professional careers. Our graduates find success as leaders in a wide range of fields, including:

• Business, lobbying and consulting: Management, public relations, human resources, sales and advertising, business and labor groups, as well as a growing variety of public interest groups.

• Electoral politics: Campaign managers, legislative staff, elected officials, political action committees, special interest groups and political parties.

• Education and research: Public and private schools, colleges and universities, research organizations and think tanks focused on foreign affairs, American politics, public policy, the environment, the economy and various social problems.

• Government and civil service: Legislative, executive and judicial branches and a wide variety of government agencies at the federal, state and local levels.

• Intelligence analysis, homeland security and armed forces: Analysis, law enforcement, homeland security and national defense.

• International organizations: Voluntary agencies, non-governmental organizations and international businesses, governmental agencies and other organizations.

• Journalism: Print, broadcast and online journalism.

• Law: Private practice, corporate law, special interest groups and nonprofit organizations, federal, state and local government.

• Nonprofit organizations: Foundations and organizations that promote the public interest in public health, education, the environment, labor, urban issues and civil rights.