Political Scientists study the dynamics of power and how power is exercised (power with and power over) through norms and structure of collective action and coercion. The study of political science encompasses governments, private and public organizations, political behavior, public policies, political processes, systems, and theories. It includes international relations, world politics, comparative politics including American Politics, political philosophy, and local & global environmental politics.
Our department’s curriculum is designed to cultivate active and productive citizenship, as well as provide versatile skills and knowledge. The curriculum has four thematic pathways that connect theories and practices of politics; these pathways will guide students to deepen their personal interest in politics and political science:
Democracy, Society, and the State
Globalization, Development and Sustainability
Leadership, Peace and Security
Philosophical and Legal Inquiries.
Former students who have graduated from Carleton with a degree in Political Science and International Relations are working in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, government and non-governmental organizations, in domestic and international affairs, and are doing so with post-graduate degrees in business administration, environmental studies, international & global affairs, law, public policies and public administration, to name just a few areas. In addition, several graduates have pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science and Public Policy in graduate institutions throughout the world.
