Overview

Political Science at The College of Wooster

Along with broad training in political science, students focus on one of the four subfield areas of concentration: U.S. national politics, political theory, international relations, or comparative politics. Majors also have numerous opportunities for off-campus study, including internships appropriate to their interests and qualifications. Programs take Wooster students to Washington, D.C., or to other urban centers around the U.S., and abroad to Latin America, Africa, Asia, or Europe. All students at The College of Wooster complete an independent study project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Political science majors at Wooster choose from one of four concentrations:

  • U.S. politics examines the interactions among political parties, interest groups, social movements, and government institutions in the United States .
  • Comparative politics provides students with a broader view of their own society by putting their experience into the context of how other societies have attempted to solve problems of governance, justice, economic development and political stability.
  • International relations is concerned with patterns of conflict and cooperation among nations, countries, international organizations, and non-governmental actors such as human rights organizations, terrorist groups, and multinational corporations.
  • Political theory questions the philosophical foundation of our understanding of the political world and its implications for justice and the common good.

What are the typical jobs or career paths for political science majors from The College of Wooster?

Wooster political science graduates choose a wide variety of careers. Some enter the business sector or government service; many others choose law school or other graduate programs. Political Science alumni from Wooster can be found at the World Bank, the U.S. Department of Justice, and working in politics and for government and nonprofit organizations. Because political science majors at Wooster have four concentrations to choose from and access to internships and off-campus study, they are well-prepared for the next phase of their lives after graduation.

 


Faculty & Staff

Joseph Coll head shot

Joseph Coll

Assistant Professor of Political Science

jcoll@wooster.edu

Erum Haider

Erum Haider

Assistant Professor of Political Science; Environmental Studies; South Asian Studies (On leave for Spring 2024)

ehaider@wooster.edu

Kent Kille

Kent Kille

Professor of Political Science (on leave Spring 2024)

kkille@wooster.edu

Matthew Krain

Matthew Krain

Professor of Political Science, Global & International Studies

mkrain@wooster.edu

Jeff Lantis

Jeffrey Lantis

Professor of Political Science; Global and International Studies

jlantis@wooster.edu

Michele Leiby

Michele Leiby

Associate Professor of Political Science (on leave for Spring 2024)

mleiby@wooster.edu

Ashley Sorensen head shot

Ashley Sorensen

Assistant Professor of Political Science

Angela Sponsler

Administrative Coordinator of Political Science, Global and International Studies, History, Latin American Studies and Urban Studies

asponsler@wooster.edu

Désirée Weber

Associate Professor and Department Chair of Political Science

dweber@wooster.edu

Megan Wrobel

Megan Wrobel

Assistant Professor of Political Science

mwrobel@wooster.edu


Latest Political Science News

Abigail Beard '23

Sophomore research project serves as foundation for article about human rights defenders

A Sophomore Research Program project by sociology major Abigail Beard ’23 provided the foundation for an article recently published in Political Research Quarterly. Matthew […]

Abby Thomson ’24 and Cassidy Nankervis ’27 were two of several students who received Exceptional Representation awards at the November 2023 American Model UN competition in Chicago.

Wooster Model UN team continues successful track record at American Model UN

The College of Wooster Model United Nations team continued its tradition of excellence at the November 2023 American Model UN competition in Chicago, earning […]

For the Leadership Across Boarders Workshop Cline traveled to Corrymeela, a coastal community in Ballycastle, Ireland, dedicated to peacebuilding and promoting reconciliation. While she was there, she visited Giant's Causeway and the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede.

Alaina Cline ’25 gains intercultural competencies and conflict mediation skills at inaugural Leaders Across Borders workshop

At a time when violence is erupting across the globe, Alaina Cline ’25 participated in an inaugural gathering of young global leaders learning how […]

AMRE Team | College of Wooster Placemaking

Maame Genfi, Ashesi University Trinity Harmon ’24, Economics Thaint Oo ’24, Economics Thomas Pitney ’24, Political Science, French and Francophone Studies Advisors: Ryan Ozar, Hamed […]

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Major

Political science majors must complete nine courses and two semesters of independent study to fulfill requirements for the major. All students take two required introductory courses and then choose from one of four concentrations (U.S. politics, comparative politics, international relations or political theory) and take at least three courses related to that concentration. Students also must take one course from each of the other concentrations. Students also take a least one course in research methods, which is critical for preparation for independent study in their senior year.

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Minor

Six political science courses are required to fulfill the requirements for a minor. An introductory course in one of the four political science concentrations (U.S. politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory) is required. Students must then choose five courses from at least two of those concentrations to complete the remainder of their minor requirements.

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Independent Study

All students at The College of Wooster complete an independent study under the guidance of a faculty mentor, culminating in a thesis delivered in the spring of their senior year.

As a prerequisite to Senior Independent Study for political science majors, students concentrating in Government and Politics in the United States, International Relations or Comparative Politics will successfully complete Research Methods and Design (PSCI 40101). Students with a concentration in Political Theory will successfully complete a tutorial on Research in Political Theory (PSCI 40102).

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Student Year I.S. Title Major 1 Major 2 Advisor
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Name: Fiona Schieve Majors: Political Science, Religious Studies Advisors: Jeremy Rapport, Terry Reeder This project intends to analyze the overwhelming support Donald Trump garnered from […]

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Alumni

Wooster political science graduates choose a wide variety of careers. Some enter the business sector or secondary education. Many others choose law school or other graduate programs.


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John Carwile '81 observes the Silver Arrow 2022 exercise live-fire demonstration closing event at Camp Adazi, Latvia, Sept. 29, 2022.

A lifelong dedication to service: Wooster history alumnus John Carwile ’81 serves as ambassador to Latvia

For 35 years, John Carwile ’81 has dedicated his work to service—serving the United States in foreign countries. Carwile, who recently completed his tenure […]

Graham Rayman '88

Graham Rayman ’88 tackles history of Rikers Island in new book

This story originally appeared in the Spring 2023 edition of Wooster Magazine. Graham Rayman ’88 has a career in journalism that spans over 30 […]

Gabe Wasylko '19

Political science alumnus highlights hometown through social media and photography

When he first came to the College of Wooster, Gabe Wasylko ’19 declared a major in political science and a minor in mathematics, certain […]

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Faculty Emeriti

gray silhouette outline of a person

Gordon Lichty Shull

Professor Emeritus, Political Science

gray silhouette outline of a person

Eric Moskowitz

Professor Emeritus, Political Science

Mark Weaver

Professor Emeritus, Political Science