Why Choose Political Science?
The Big Picture
Studying political science prepares you to play a more effective role as a citizen of a democracy and of the world. It helps you better understand other people and their ideas.
The Hands-On Opportunities
Political science majors use New York City as a political classroom. Some of our courses like Power in the City and Wall Street include weekly field trips to view significant buildings and public works in the city.
Internships are another great way to learn by doing. Our students get to work with elected officials around the city, and intern for places like:
- New York City Council
- State Assembly
- State Senate
- MTA
- NYC Planning Department
- Parks Department
- Housing Department
- Law offices
- District Attorney’s offices
- Nonprofit organizations that advocate for better housing, child care, women's rights and the environment
Beyond New York City, you can earn college credits while interning in Washington, D.C. or Albany, NY with one of our partnership programs. Our students have also traveled internationally with programs to the Czech Republic, London and the Galapagos Islands.
A great way to get your feet wet is on a political science-sponsored field trip to Washington, D.C., Albany or Philadelphia. On these trips, you’ll meet elected officials and go on walking tours of historical and political sites.
Model UN
The Political Science Department also runs a Model United Nations program. Model UN is available as a class in the spring or as an extracurricular activity in the fall. As part of the program, our students simulate the work of the UN at international conferences in New York City and Washington, D.C.
As part of this participatory, hands-on experience you will:
- Gain expertise on a particular country by representing its views throughout the conference
- Meet thousands of other students from around the world in a collaborative setting
- Negotiate resolutions that address:
- Regional conflicts
- Peacekeeping
- Human rights
- The concerns of women and children
- Economic and social development
- The environment