B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Political Science
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Political Science at Whittier College provides a comprehensive exploration of the theories, institutions, and behaviors that shape political life. Students delve into diverse subfields, including American Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Normative Political Theory. The program aims to develop students' analytical skills, their ability to conduct rigorous research, and their capacity to engage thoughtfully with complex political issues. Whittier also offers a unique Integrated Computer Science/Political Science Major, recognizing the growing importance of data and computational methods in understanding modern politics.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Political Science is structured to provide a strong foundational understanding while allowing for specialization. Core requirements typically include introductory courses in American Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Normative Political Theory. A crucial component is Political Science Research Methods (PLSC 385), which equips students with the quantitative and qualitative skills necessary for political inquiry. Students also select from specialized courses like Public Administration and Policy, Introduction to Judicial Process and Behavior, or The Policy Process. The program culminates in a Senior Seminar Capstone, where students synthesize their learning and conduct in-depth research. The curriculum is designed to foster a balanced understanding of political theory, institutions, and real-world application.
Research Focus: Research is a central pillar of the Political Science program at Whittier College. Students are actively engaged in hands-on research opportunities throughout their studies, culminating in a required Senior Seminar Capstone that involves significant independent research. The department provides resources and guidance for students to develop their research questions, gather and analyze data, and present their findings. Students regularly present their original work at events like the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference. Faculty, including those with experience as Congressional Fellows, consultants to the Pentagon and U.S. State Department, and published scholars, actively mentor students in their research endeavors, often leading to co-authored work or presentations at regional and national conferences.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Political Science program is highly committed to providing practical industry engagement opportunities. The department actively encourages and facilitates internships, allowing students to gain invaluable real-world experience. Political science majors have interned with a wide range of organizations, including the U.S. State Department, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), local government offices, political campaigns, and community organizations. The college's Center for Career and Professional Development plays a vital role in connecting students with these opportunities, providing career guidance, and fostering networking with alumni who have achieved success in government, law, public administration, and international affairs. The Nixon Fellowship Program, for example, provides exceptional students with internships and research opportunities related to domestic and foreign policy.
Global Perspective: A robust global perspective is deeply embedded within Whittier College's Political Science program. Courses in Comparative Politics and International Relations are fundamental, enabling students to analyze political systems and global interactions across different countries and regions. The department actively promotes and supports study abroad programs, with many students choosing to immerse themselves in international political contexts. The Global Poet Scholarship can provide financial assistance for these experiences. Furthermore, the Model United Nations program at Whittier College offers students a hands-on opportunity to engage with international diplomacy and global issues, participating in conferences with students from around the world. Faculty expertise often includes international relations and comparative politics, further enriching the global understanding within the curriculum.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science from Whittier College provides graduates with a highly versatile and impactful skillset, extending beyond just politics and government. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, research methods, persuasive communication, and understanding complex systems prepares alumni for diverse roles that require analytical prowess and a nuanced understanding of human and institutional behavior.
Policy Analyst: This is a direct and impactful path. Graduates research and evaluate public policies, assess their social, economic, and political impacts, and provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers. They work for government agencies, think tanks, non-profit organizations, or corporations.
Legislative Aide / Staffer: Political Science majors are well-suited to support elected officials at local, state, or federal levels. They conduct research, draft legislation, manage constituent communications, and assist with committee work, gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process.
Campaign Manager / Political Strategist: For those passionate about electoral politics, graduates can work on political campaigns, managing operations, developing campaign strategies, coordinating volunteers, and overseeing public relations efforts.
Lawyer / Paralegal: Political Science is widely considered an excellent pre-law major. The program's emphasis on argumentation, critical analysis of texts, ethical reasoning, and understanding legal frameworks provides a strong foundation for law school. Graduates can also begin careers as paralegals or legal assistants.
International Relations Specialist / Diplomat: With a strong global perspective, graduates can pursue careers in foreign service, international organizations (like the UN or NGOs), or multinational corporations. They work on diplomacy, international development, humanitarian aid, or global business strategies.
Public Relations Specialist / Communications Manager: The ability to understand public opinion, craft persuasive messages, and manage an organization's public image is highly valued. Political Science graduates excel in these roles, often working for businesses, non-profits, or government entities.
Journalist / Political Reporter: The research, analytical, and writing skills honed in a Political Science program are ideal for journalism. Graduates can report on political developments, government affairs, and social issues for various media outlets.
Non-profit Program Manager / Advocate: Graduates can lead and manage programs for non-profit organizations, particularly those focused on social justice, environmental policy, or community development. They often engage in advocacy, lobbying, and community organizing.
Urban Planner / City Manager (with further education): Understanding governance, public administration, and community needs, Political Science graduates can contribute to shaping urban development. While often requiring a master's, the undergraduate degree provides a strong base for roles in city planning departments or city management.
Research Analyst: The rigorous research methods taught in Political Science prepare graduates for roles as research analysts in academic institutions, polling firms, market research companies, or government agencies, where they collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform decisions.
