Department of Political Science

The program in political science will provide you with a knowledge of political theory, of the American political system, political behavior and institutions in other countries, and of international politics and institutions. Gradyates of our program have gone on to build successful careers in government service, teaching, law and related professional and graduate study. Special programs in international relations and foreign areas can be arranged for students planning careers in the Foreign Service of the United States, in international organizations, or in education.

A Political Science major is also an excellent foundation for Pre-Law students. Students who are interested in careers in law may also apply to participate in one of Westminster's two Bachelor's Degree Plus Programs, which allow you to begin law school at the end of your junior year, saving a year of tuition.

 Major Requirements & Courses

 Minor Requirements & Courses

 7-12 Grade Teacher Certification Requirements (Social Studies)

At Westminster, students who plan to attend law school can declare any standard disciplinary or interdisciplinary major. The goal is to provide students the opportunity to develop the skills that are required for success in law school: critical thinking and analysis, clear and persuasive writing, and a broad understanding of human nature and society. The Pre-Law Program also provides information and advice on career opportunities in law and law-related fields and assists students in preparing for admission to law schools.

Pre-law students may also pursue the Legal Studies minor. They may also apply to participate in one of Westminster's two Bachelor's Degree Plus Programs, which allow students to begin law school at the end of their junior year, saving a year of tuition.

 Minor Requirements & Courses

Westminster has great success in placing students into law school. Rather than a narrow "pre-law" major, which most law schools and employers discourage, as a pre-law student at Westminster, you will choose a major that excites your interests and challenges your mind. The liberal studies requirements and available electives provide the breadth and depth of coursework throughout the liberal arts curriculum that are central to success in law school and the legal profession. Further, the faculty who advise the Pre-Law Program provide information and advice on career opportunities in law and law-related fields, help with internship choices, and assist in your preparation for admission to law schools.

Many of our pre-law students pursue a Legal Studies minor. You may also apply to participate in one of Westminster's two Bachelor's Degree Plus Programs, which allow students to begin law school at the end of their junior year, saving a year of tuition.

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With this flexible, interdisciplinary major, students combine environmental studies coursework with a second discipline of their choice to work on problems of the environment. For example, you could combine environmental studies with sociology for work in fields related to environmental justice. It could also be a pathway to environmental law, and students interested in law could even apply to start law school at the end of their junior year through one of our Bachelor’s Degree Plus Programs.

As an Environmental Studies major, you will benefit from hands-on, collaborative learning and partner with local and regional environmental organizations and businesses to work on real-world environmental problems. A required internship and team-based capstone gives our students the skills for success in careers and graduate school. As a bonus, we get to study the environment on our expansive and diverse 300-acre campus.

 Major Requirements & Courses

 Minor Requirements & Courses

International Studies program was designed for students interested in languages, travel, culture, and politics. As a major, you will take a designated core of courses in International Studies and modern languages, and then build on that foundation by selecting one of three concentrations of designated and elective courses.

The concentrations are Cultural Studies, International Politics, or Peace and Justice Studies. Students who select the Cultural Studies concentration can choose coursework to focus on either History or Modern Languages. All international studies majors also participate in an approved study abroad experience.

 Major Requirements & Courses

 Minor Requirements & Courses

Peace Studies is an interdisciplinary academic program designed to prepare students for the challenge of living in an increasingly diverse and global community. Recent uncertainties about the nature of world security make this an especially opportune time for Peace Studies. In addition to understanding conflict and its resolution, coursework emphasizes global awareness, multiculturalism, public policy, ethics, and human rights. You can tailor your course selections to meet post-graduation goals, which will enhance your ability to secure jobs in an increasingly global economy and multicultural society. Through service learning at the local, national, or international level, you will translate your competencies into action.

If your academic plan does not have sufficient flexiblity to complete the courses required for a minor, you may choose to complete a concentration in Peace Studies, which requires fewer courses. You can also pursue a major in Peace Studies through our Interdisciplinary Major.

 Minor Requirements & Courses

 Concentration Requirements & Courses

The individual interdisciplinary major allows students to design their own majors. Students identify a core of course work in one program of study (major or minor), and then add coursework from other disciplines to craft an educational experience as unique as their ambitions.

Recent real-life examples of Individual Interdisciplinary majors include:

• Criminal Psychology (Criminal Justice Studies and Psychology)
• Environmental Science Project Management(Environmental Science and Business)
• Film & Media Relations (Film Studies and Communication)

For more information, contact an Admissions Counselor today.