Political Science Major
Salve Regina University's political science program covers the full range of political science subfields - comparative politics, international relations and political theory. You'll discover your passions through experiential opportunities such as internships, study abroad, community-based learning and events coordinated with Salve's Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy and the nearby Naval War College.
At Salve, I found a keen interest in foreign languages, especially Arabic, which led to my double major in political science and global studies. I attended Columbia University for a master’s in linguistics and international education. I had the opportunity while at Salve to teach English to Syrian refugees during an internship abroad in Jordan.
Daniel Regan ’17, analyst, U.S. Department of Defense
Explore Questions of Justice and a Life Well Lived
Building on the teachings of the great political philosophers, our program provides essential knowledge and problem-solving skills regarding systems of democracy and dictatorship, legislation and constitutional law, and the origins of war and peace.
We focus on developing the knowledge and skills students need to think critically and use their voices to make a difference in their community. Work in the program considers the consequential questions facing our community, our nation and the world.
Small classes enable students to work closely with each other and with faculty. The challenging curriculum is designed to foster analytical skills and encourage discourse as students learn to gather relevant information, develop logical arguments and approach problem solving with an informed perspective.
You can opt to concentrate in:
- American government and public law
- International relations and comparative politics
We also offer a combined bachelor’s/master’s program, enabling qualified Salve undergraduates to begin a graduate program in international relations in their senior year.
What Sets Salve Apart
Salve is ranked among the 390 best colleges by The Princeton Review and the best regional universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Dive Into Research
In the spring of their junior year, all political science majors take POL372: Seminar in Research and Methodology, where they learn how to research, organize, document, write and orally present and defend a major piece of original work. In their senior year, they apply these skills to an original, professional senior thesis that they present and defend. Topics are chosen according to their interests and career goals.
Gain Experience Through Internships
Internships connect classroom study to the real world of law, politics, policy and business and help students clarify career goals and network with professionals. Students can complete semester-long state government internships, placed with an experienced professional in a position best suited to their interests and goals. Outstanding students may be invited to participate in a weeklong congressional internship in Washington, D.C.
Accelerate Your Career
At Salve, qualified undergraduates can begin a graduate program in international relations in their senior year, saving time and money. Earning your master’s degree through our combined program allows you to enter the workforce sooner and pursue jobs with higher starting salaries. Along the way, you’ll receive career-focused mentoring from our graduate faculty, helping you to build your professional network.
Students and Alumni Making Waves
Mikaela Barbour '20
Litigation associate, MG+M The Law Firm
At Salve, Mikaela Barbour was a member of Alpha Phi Sigma and interned with the Rhode Island District Court. She earned her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law, focusing on corporate and civil litigation. During law school, she served as a judicial intern to the Hon. Patti B. Saris at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. She joined MG+M The Law Firm as a litigation law clerk in 2022 and is now a first-year litigation associate, representing corporate clients in complex civil litigation. "My time at Salve Regina was paramount to my development as both a student and a lawyer," she said. "The political science program deepened my understanding of constitutional principles, governance and legal philosophy, shaping the way I approach legal analysis and advocacy. Salve’s emphasis on critical thinking and open discourse challenged me to engage with diverse perspectives - an invaluable skill that prepared me for the rigor of law school and continues to guide me in my legal career. The University’s mission of mercy instilled in me a deep commitment to justice and service, principles that remain at the heart of my work as an attorney."
Bilal Omar Omari '24
Program associate, HFX
Bilal Omar Omari, a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha national political science honor society, came to Salve from Afghanistan to complete his education. "One of the most notable aspects of my time at Salve was the welcoming and inclusive environment," he said. "Despite my unconventional path, the faculty and staff were incredibly accommodating, helping me transition smoothly and ensuring that my previous academic efforts were recognized and valued."
Ashley Gempp '11
Foreign affairs officer, U.S. Department of State
"The political science program at Salve gave me a strong base for understanding the interaction of states and political and international organization structures, and how this affects U.S. foreign policy. I also developed the valuable skill of providing critical analysis in a concise way, a must-have when working with U.S. and foreign governments. These skills all helped me along the road to where I am in my career today."
Christopher Fisher '11
Superintendent of Catholic schools, Archdiocese of San Francisco
“My career would have been impossible without my Salve political science education. Through the program, I learned the skills of critical thinking, public speaking and conversation. But, in reality, I learned so much more. Through the study of the greatest works ever written, from Homer to Aristotle and from Aquinas to the Federalist Papers, I developed an understanding of what it means to be human and was encouraged by my professors to consider how, as political animals, we can organize society for the common good. That question is now at the heart of my career, and Salve made that possible.”
Leath Spengler
Communications and political science major
A communications and political science double major and history minor, Leah Spengler was named an inaugural Brodsky Civic Lead Scholar for embodying leadership, engagement and democracy. She is also a peer mentor, Nuala Pell Leadership Program fellow, communication director for the College Democrats, member of the Pell Honors Program student advisory committee and member of the Young Republicans.
Career Paths in Political Science
With extensive training in research, analysis, writing and public speaking, Salve Regina students are well prepared for graduate programs and/or professional careers. Our graduates find success as leaders in a wide range of fields.
- Business, lobbying and consulting: Management, public relations, human resources, sales and advertising, business and labor groups, as well as a growing variety of public interest groups
- Electoral politics: Campaign managers, legislative staff, elected officials, political action committees, special interest groups and political parties
- Education and research: Public and private schools, colleges and universities, research organizations and think tanks focused on foreign affairs, American politics, public policy, the environment, the economy and various social problems
- Government and civil service: Legislative, executive and judicial branches and a wide variety of government agencies at the federal, state and local levels
- Intelligence analysis, homeland security and armed forces: Analysis, law enforcement, homeland security and national defense
- International organizations: Voluntary agencies, non-governmental organizations and international businesses, governmental agencies and other organizations
- Journalism: Print, broadcast and online
- Law: Private practice, corporate law, special interest groups and nonprofit organizations, federal, state and local government
- Nonprofit organizations: Foundations and organizations that promote the public interest in public health, education, the environment, labor, urban issues and civil rights
Degree Options
With only 13 courses required for the major, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to double major or minor in areas like criminal justice and criminology, economics, environmental studies, French and Francophone studies, global studies, Hispanic studies, history, philosophy, psychology or sociology and anthropology.
Bachelor of Arts in political science
Aristotle described political science as the "highest and ruling science" for human actions because it aims at the human good in the most comprehensive sense. Those who study political science inquire into the permanent questions of justice and lives well-lived, as well as urgent decisions facing leaders and citizens in the United States and globally.
Minor in political science
Meet Our Political Science Faculty
Our faculty are highly qualified, globally experienced and easy to approach.
Dr. Luigi Bradizza
- Professor
- Chair, Political Science and International Relations
Dr. Mary Anderson
- Professor
- David and Carolyn Brodsky Chair in U.S. Constitutional Democracy and Culture
Dr. Symeon Giannakos
- Professor
- Graduate program director
Dr. Yvan Ilunga
- Assistant professor
- Associate graduate program director
Dr. Chad Raymond
- Professor
- Associate graduate program director
Student Organizations
Model United Nations
Get involved in world politics and foreign affairs outside the classroom. Club members attend competitive intercollegiate conferences, where they represent the policy positions of real countries debating and negotiating a range of political, economic, legal, social and environmental issues.
Pi Sigma Alpha
The national political science honor society promotes curricular and co-curricular activities related to political science and stimulates scholarship and intelligent interest in government.
Political Science Club
The Political Science Club meets to discuss current political issues and connects with other clubs and organizations to work on campus-wide initiatives related to political science, civic engagement and community service.