Political Science at Marist College aims toprovide students with a basic understanding of political systems, major political beliefs and the fundamentalprocesses of politics and governing.We introduce students to the institutions of government and the distinctive political cultures in which different systems operate. Often referring to the great issues of our time and of the past, the teachers guide students to appreciatethe dynamic interplay of theory and practice in understanding the political world.Faculty prepare students for responsible membership in a changing and often turbulent world, and assiststudents to develop lifelong learning skills which will serve them in both the workplace and the publicworld in which we all live.
Political Science enables students to study systematically the events, people and issues that shape politicaldecision making.Besides focusing on the institutions, processes and outcomes of politics, the curriculum also surveys thegreat thinkers who have speculated about the nature of a just and effective political system.In a world that some have described as approximating a "global village," political science encourages students to become familiar with a variety of political cultures and to appreciate the unique perspectivesbrought by each to the word community. Political Science at Marist also seeks to bring theory and methodology into the real political arena by strongly encouraging student learning beyond the classroom through internships and field experiences.
The curriculum prepares students for career options ranging from advanced work in graduate or lawschool to careers in government, the media or the corporate world. And consistent with the mission of Marist College, this major challenges students to confront the perennial values issues involved in politics.
Depending upon their interests and goals, students have available to them a public affairs politicalscience track, broadly covering the field, and a track giving heavy emphasis to international studies.
Unique opportunities for our political science students include The Marist Poll, the Albany Semester, theWashington Semester, Marist Abroad Program, the Pre-Law Program, plus Concentrations in Paralegal Studies, in Public Administration, in Public Opinion and in International Studies.
