Politics courses support the Liberal Arts Core requirements of the University and the Politics major. The program presents a structured curriculum of courses in political theory, international relations, and the politics and governmental institutions of the United States and foreign countries.
Resources for the study of politics in the Washington area are extraordinary, and students participate frequently in many history-making events that occur in this capital city.
Students majoring in Politics are encouraged to consider a minor in Communications, Computer Science, Economics, English, History, Paralegal Studies, or Philosophy. Seniors are required to complete an internship in a government agency, a congressional office, or a corporate government affairs department, and to complete the senior seminar and a comprehensive examination.
Liberal Arts Core requirements: All Liberal Arts Core requirements must be fulfilled, including ECO 199 (3 credits) and ECO 210 (3 credits) or an advanced Economics course. It is recommended that students work with an advisor to ensure compliance.
Major requirements (45 credits): POL 205 American Policy Process, POL 220 International Relations, POL 225 Comparative Government I, POL 210-211 Western Political Concepts I & II, POL 335 American Constitutional Law I, POL 400 Internship, POL 420 Senior Seminar, and additional Politics courses to total at least 45 credits. Three of these Politics elective courses must be at the 300 level or above.
Electives: to total 120 credits.
Minor requirements: POL 204, 210 or 211, 220, and 12 additional credits in Politics courses.
Students who major in Politics, achieve at graduation a grade point average of 3.5 in Politics courses (at least 8 of which must be completed at Marymount University), and achieve superior performance in the senior thesis and comprehensive examination are eligible to graduate with honors in Politics.