A political science major that integrates the fields of American government and international relations to prepare students to become principled leaders and responsible citizens in public and private sector careers.
Program skills
Through exciting tracks in politics and life sciences, digital politics and organization, and political institutions, students study the influence of recent advances in biology and biotechnology on how we understand ourselves as human beings and citizens, or the use of information technology for political organization and communication. There are few undergraduate political science majors in the country that so fully incorporate both these fields into their curricula, including the opportunity to take courses from the biology and information technology departments as part of their program requirements.
Program job titles reported
Teacher; Admissions Counselor; Lawyer; Social Services; Political Consultant; Civil Service; Politician; Journalist; Non-Governmental Organization; Marketing; Corporate Advisor
Program significant points
- Students may pursue a double major in political science and a secondary area. Students have combined political science with a double major in diverse fields such as computer science, criminal justice, economics, and philosophy.
- An accelerated 4+1 option is available for students who wish to earn a BS in political science and an MBA. The option is offered in conjunction with Saunders College of Business and allows students to obtain both degrees in five years of study.
Select program hiring partners
Peace Corps; AmeriCorps; Rochester Institute of Technology; Sorenson Communications; YMCA; City of Rochester
80%
Outcome Rates*
83%
Knowledge Rate
| Outcome | % of Students |
|---|---|
| Employed | 60.00% |
| Full-time Graduate Study | 0% |
| Alternative Plans | 20.00% |
Experiential Learning
Cooperative Education
Cooperative education, or co-op for short, is full-time, paid work experience in your field of study. And it sets RIT graduates apart from their competitors. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries. RIT co-op is designed for your success.
Students in the political science major are encouraged to complete a cooperative education, internship, or study abroad experience.
Beginning in the third year, students may participate experiences that may include cooperative education or an internship, both of which provide students with hands-on experience in a variety of environments, from government agencies, non-profits, and nongovernmental agencies to political campaigns. Through these experiences, students gain employment experience as well as the opportunity to further develop skills in their chosen profession.
Study Abroad
Opportunities to study abroad enhance a student's understanding of global politics and culture. Students may study full time at a variety of host schools and are able to select courses in their major as well as liberal arts courses. Visit RIT Global to learn more about the range of study abroad programs and opportunities available.