As a political science major at Marietta, you will take courses in wide-ranging fields such as American politics, public policy, international politics and political theory. You’ll learn to evaluate the controversial issues of political life and relate them to ethical decisions.
Along the way, you'll apply what you're learning through internships, study abroad and/or our Washington Semester program. What better place to study American politics and government than the nation’s capital? You’ll meet leaders in government and the private sector as you tailor your time in D.C. with internships and individual research projects.
Marietta students have also participated in Model United Nations, interned with the U.S. State Department in China and studied with State Department officials. Our program’s blend of theory and practice will prepare you for law school, graduate studies in public policy, or careers in business, government or education.
At Pizza and Politics, an informal discussion series, faculty with expertise on current events answer student questions and lead informal discussions about current topics, such as European attitudes on U.S. foreign policy and the State of the Union Address.
Sample Four-Year Schedule
First Year (Fall Semester)
| Political Science 103 | American National Government | 3 credit hours |
| Writing 110 | Writing Composition | 3 credit hours |
| General Education | Fine Arts | 3 credit hours |
| General Education | History | 3 credit hours |
| General Education | Science (with lab) | 4 credit hours |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 credit hours |
First Year (Spring Semester)
| Political Science 120/130 | Comparative Politics/International Politics | 3 credit hours |
| Political Science elective | 200-level course | 3 credit hours |
| General Education | Fine Arts | 3 credit hours |
| General Education | Literature | 3 credit hours |
| General Education | Science (with lab) | 4 credit hours |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 credit hours |
Second Year (Fall Semester)
| Political Science elective | 3 credit hours | |
| Political Science elective | 3 credit hours | |
| General Education | Social Analysis | 3 credit hours |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 credit hours |
Second Year (Spring Semester)
| Political Science elective | 3 credit hours | |
| Political Science elective | 3 credit hours | |
| General Education | Writing | 3 credit hours |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 credit hours |
Third Year (Fall Semester)
| Political Science elective | 3 credit hours | |
| Mathematics 123/223 | Statistics | 3 credit hours |
| Political Science internship | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 credit hours |
Third Year (Spring Semester)
| Political Science 320 | Research Methods | 3 credit hours |
| Political Science elective | 3 credit hours | |
| General Education course | Writing | 3 credit hours |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 credit hours |
Fourth Year (Fall Semester)
| Political Science 420 | Senior Capstone | 3 credit hours |
| Political Science elective | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 12 credit hours |
Fourth Year (Spring Semester)
| Political Science elective | 3 credit hours | |
| Political Science elective | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective of your choice | 3 credit hours | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 12 credit hours |
* Remember that this schedule should just be seen as a guide toward your Political Science degree. Your schedule can be adjusted to accommodate a second major and/or minors at the College. You will work with your academic advisor to ensure that you graduate on schedule and with classes that most interest you and lead you toward the career path that you are working to achieve.
** Pre-Law students should also be aware of Political Science 313 and Political Science 314. These are our Constitutional Law and Civil Liberties course. They are taught in an every-two-year rotation. Pre-Law students are recommended to take them in either their Junior or Senior years.
