B.A. in Politics

Program Overview

The B.A. in Politics at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit program that delves into the political, policy, and constitutional challenges and opportunities facing society. Students develop an understanding of the historical context of these challenges and the core arguments surrounding them, while also cultivating evidence-based approaches to resolution. A key distinguishing feature is the extensive hands-on experience offered, including opportunities to staff election campaigns, participate in the College Convention (a unique presidential primary event), facilitate debates and town halls, and engage with advocacy organizations. The program aims to empower students to make a tangible difference in their communities and beyond.

Curriculum: The 120-credit B.A. in Politics curriculum at NEC is structured to provide a strong foundation in political science while allowing for exploration of various subfields. Core courses typically include "U.S. Politics," "International Politics," and "Research Methods." Students then choose from a range of courses focusing on United States institutions (e.g., "State and Local Government and Politics," "The Presidency and the Executive Branch," "Congress and the Legislative Process," "Constitutional Law"). Further specialization is available through courses in political theory (e.g., "Political Thought: Ancient to Modern"), international relations and comparative politics (e.g., "International Security," "Comparative Politics," "International Organizations," "Global Issues," "U.S. Foreign Policy"). A significant culminating experience is the Senior Thesis, a 4-credit writing-intensive project where students conduct independent research and present their findings. An internship of 4-12 credits is also a required component.

Research Focus: The B.A. in Politics at New England College places a strong emphasis on developing practical research skills and an evidence-based approach to political inquiry. The program includes a mandatory "Research Methods" course and culminates in a multi-part Senior Thesis. This thesis is a writing-intensive project where students undertake independent learning and immerse themselves in research on a specific topic of their choosing. Students construct a committee to advise them, receive feedback from peers in a capstone seminar, and participate in a public presentation and defense of their work. This rigorous research component ensures graduates can critically evaluate information, develop coherent arguments, and contribute to political analysis. Faculty members also bring their diverse research interests, such as state and local government, political history, campaigns, and political parties, into the classroom.

Industry Engagement: New England College's B.A. in Politics program is exceptionally strong in industry engagement, leveraging its location in a key primary state and its commitment to "learning by doing." Students have unparalleled opportunities to participate directly in the political process, including staffing election campaigns for presidential, gubernatorial, and congressional candidates. NEC hosts high-profile debates and town hall meetings, allowing students to engage directly with political figures and the media. The college's Center for Civic Engagement facilitates hands-on experiences like the College Convention, a student-run presidential primary event. A required internship allows students to gain practical experience in federal and state government levels, legislative offices (including in Washington, D.C. and Concord, NH), advocacy organizations, and interest groups, providing invaluable networking and real-world application of their studies.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Politics at New England College integrates a robust global perspective throughout its curriculum and experiential opportunities. A core course, "International Politics," provides foundational knowledge in global affairs. Students can further explore this through courses such as "International Security," "Comparative Politics," "International Organizations," "Global Issues," and "U.S. Foreign Policy." The program explicitly highlights opportunities to "study abroad and learn about international policies and global affairs." NEC's commitment to civic engagement extends to understanding the broader global community, equipping students with the analytical tools necessary to understand political processes at work among states and in the global community. The diverse faculty interests also often include aspects of international relations and comparative politics.