The Political Science and International Relations Department engages students in the study of how people govern themselves—from the smallest communities to the international system. In the town meeting, the halls of Congress or the United Nations, the great political questions are the same—how to reconcile individual aspirations and community needs, freedom and equality, authority and justice, participation and power.
The department offers students a major in Political Science and another one in International Relations. We also offer minors in Political Science, International Relations and Law Justice and Society.
Academic Offerings
Political Science Major
Political Science is the study of how people govern themselves. The major provides students a solid grounding in American politics, international relations, comparative politics and political theory. Through thought-provoking courses and multiple experiential learning opportunities, including the possibility of taking courses in Washington, D.C., political science majors work closely with the faculty to explore politics and government from many different viewpoints.
International Relations Major
International Relations is the study of the systems and structures that exist (or should exist) to address global concerns. The major provides students thought-provoking courses and multiple experiential learning opportunities, including the Semester on the United Nations, to explore how competing global, regional or domestic factors affect relations between state and non-state actors as they deal with an increasing number of global challenges and threats.
Political Science Minor
The Political Science minor helps interested students understand how political systems work and practical knowledge about how policy decisions are made.
International Relations Minor
The International Relations minor provides students from other disciplines the tools to understand the increasingly complex and interdependent world of the 21st century.
Law, Justice and Society Minor
The Law, Justice and Society minor provides an interdisciplinary perspective on law. Students study the complex ways in which law works in society and the integral relationship of law with justice. It also helps our students to learn a holistic way of thinking about the interactions of law, justice and society that will serve them well whether they go into law or another field.
Pre-Law Advising
Many of our majors are interested in pursuing a law degree after their studies at Drew. Carlos Yordan is currently our Faculty Pre-Law Advisor and he works closely with Gwen DeBenedetto of Drew’s Center for Career Development to help students navigate the law school application process.
Semesters in NYC
Students studying political science at Drew are encouraged to build upon what they learn in class by taking advantage of our NYC semesters focusing on the United Nations and Social Entrepreneurship.