B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Political Science
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Political Science at Queens College provides a deep understanding of political phenomena at local, national, and international levels. Students engage with fundamental concepts of power, governance, public policy, and political behavior. The program aims to enhance students' abilities to analyze political events, formulate informed opinions, and engage effectively in civic life. It prepares graduates for diverse career paths in law, public service, international affairs, journalism, and academia, or for advanced graduate studies. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within political science, such as American politics, comparative politics, international politics, political theory, and public law.
Curriculum: The Political Science curriculum at Queens College is rigorous and well-structured, combining foundational knowledge with opportunities for specialized exploration. Core requirements typically include introductory courses in American Politics and Government, Principles of Political Science, Current Political Controversies, Comparative Politics, International Politics, and Political Theory. A crucial component of the major is a course in research methods (e.g., PSCI 200: Research Skills in Political Science), which teaches students how to formulate research questions, design studies, evaluate information, and analyze political data systematically. Students then delve into more specialized upper-level courses within their chosen subfields. The program also strongly encourages, and often requires, participation in internships to gain practical, real-world experience.
Research Focus: The Department of Political Science at Queens College fosters a vibrant environment for scholarly inquiry. While specific research focuses are often driven by the individual expertise of faculty members, the department broadly engages in research across its primary subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public law. Faculty members conduct research on a wide array of topics, including electoral behavior, environmental policy, human rights, U.S. immigration, and the impact of global events on political systems. Undergraduate students are encouraged to engage in research through dedicated courses like Research Skills in Political Science, independent study projects, and potentially through participation in faculty-led research initiatives, allowing them to develop empirical analysis skills and contribute to the field.
Industry Engagement: The B.A. in Political Science from Queens College is highly valued by a wide range of industries due to the program's emphasis on developing critical, transferable skills. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in government (local, state, federal, and international), non-profit organizations, law firms, advocacy groups, international organizations, and journalism. The department actively facilitates industry engagement through its thriving internship program, which offers students practical experience with public officials, lawyers, non-profits, and various political settings in New York City and Albany. This hands-on experience provides invaluable networking opportunities and a direct link between academic learning and professional application, enhancing graduates' competitiveness in the job market.
Global Perspective: Queens College's Political Science program inherently cultivates a strong global perspective. The curriculum explicitly includes courses in International Politics and Comparative Politics, which expose students to diverse political systems, cultures, and global challenges. Situated in Queens, New York, one of the most culturally diverse urban environments in the world, the college itself provides a natural microcosm for understanding global interactions. The program's engagement with topics like international relations, human rights, and global governance prepares students to understand and navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Furthermore, participation in activities like the award-winning Model UN program offers students direct experience in international diplomacy and global problem-solving.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science from Queens College equips graduates with a formidable set of transferable skills, including critical analysis, persuasive communication, research methodology, and a deep understanding of governance and human behavior. These skills are highly valued across diverse sectors, making political science majors versatile and capable of adapting to various professional landscapes. The program's emphasis on real-world engagement, through internships in particular, further enhances career prospects.
Legislative Aide/Staffer: Working for elected officials at local, state, or federal levels, these individuals conduct research, draft policy proposals, manage constituent services, and assist with legislative processes. Their understanding of government operations and policy analysis is crucial.
Campaign Manager/Staff: Political science graduates often find roles in political campaigns, from grassroots organizing to managing communications, fundraising, or overall campaign strategy. Their knowledge of electoral behavior and political systems is highly advantageous.
Policy Analyst/Researcher: Employed by think tanks, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or even private corporations, policy analysts research and evaluate public policies, identify problems, and propose solutions. Their analytical and research skills are essential for informing decision-making.
Journalist/Political Commentator: With strong writing and analytical abilities, political science majors can excel in journalism, reporting on political events, governmental decisions, and international affairs. They might work as reporters, editors, or political commentators for various media outlets.
Lawyer/Paralegal: The rigorous argumentative and analytical training of a political science degree provides an excellent foundation for law school. Graduates who pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) can become attorneys in various fields, while those entering directly can work as paralegals, assisting legal professionals with research and case preparation.
Public Relations Specialist/Communications Manager: Political science graduates understand public opinion and effective messaging, making them well-suited for roles in public relations. They can manage communications for political figures, non-profits, or corporations, shaping public perception and disseminating information.
International Relations Specialist/Diplomat (Entry-Level): For those interested in global affairs, a political science degree, especially with a focus on international relations, can lead to roles in government agencies (e.g., State Department), international organizations (e.g., UN), or NGOs. These positions often involve diplomacy, policy analysis, and cross-cultural communication.
Lobbyist/Advocacy Group Coordinator: Representing specific interests or causes, lobbyists and advocates work to influence public policy and legislation. Political science graduates understand the legislative process and how to build effective arguments to sway decision-makers.
Urban Planner/Community Organizer: Political science skills can be applied to local governance and community development. Urban planners work to shape cities and regions, while community organizers mobilize residents to address local issues and advocate for change.
Human Resources Specialist: The understanding of human behavior, organizational structures, and ethical considerations gained in political science can be valuable in human resources, particularly in roles involving employee relations, policy development, and conflict resolution within organizations.
