Laurentians on a tour of the US Capital

Political Science

About Our Program

 Our political science program will help you harness your potential to create change and understand your role in local, national, and international governments. To do so, you’ll analyze power structures, dive deep into the issues you care about, compare political institutions in diverse regions of the world, and communicate compelling, original arguments as you examine and form your own opinions. 

Under the mentorship of faculty and alumni with real-world experience and connections, you’ll also investigate the career fields that interest youwhether they’re in policy, advocacy, non-profit, or private sector work.

Learning Experiences to Prepare for Your Career

As you study political science, you won’t just learn about the issues, people, and institutions that spark your curiosity and affect your community—you’ll engage with them through opportunities on and off campus.

St. Lawrence University Fellows Program

Our faculty are known for the close relationships they build with every student, which often turn into faculty-mentored summer research projects. Apply for a fellowship to spend eight weeks in the North Country digging into a topic you’re passionate about with your mentor as your advisor. 

Senior Year Experience (SYE) Honors Thesis

Once you’ve discovered a topic you’re passionate about, spend your senior year investigating it as you conduct research and work one-on-one with a faculty advisor. Along the way, you’ll hone your ability to evaluate sources, synthesize original ideas, and make a convincing case for your findingslike James Lehner ‘20, who argued in favor of expanding the field of swing states in the presidential election.

Learn About Research at St. Lawrence

Meet Professor Grace Huang

Grace Huang wearing a scarlet sweater.

Professor of Government Grace Huang combines rigorous academic inquiry with a touch of humor and relatability in her teaching. Her courses invite students to explore political systems from around the world, encouraging them to think critically about democracy, governance, and their own roles as informed citizens. 

What’s your favorite class to teach, and why? 

I love teaching Introduction to Comparative Politics. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show students how different political systems reflect distinct values and priorities. By comparing governance across countries, students gain a fresh perspective on their own system and the larger forces shaping global politics. 

What surprises students most about you? 

Students are often surprised by my sense of humor! As an Asian-American professor, I find some students come in thinking I will be quite serious. However, I can be quite ridiculous, and the students let me get away with it. For example, I once joked that a small bone protruding from my ear was the missing seventh Infinity Stone (à la The Avengers). It’s a mix of seriousness and silliness that keeps our class environment engaging. 

What’s been your proudest moment as a professor? 

Publishing my book with Harvard University Asia Center was a proud moment—it showed me that high-quality research is possible even at a teaching-intensive school like St. Lawrence. But my proudest moments come from my students: seeing their growth, their commitment to their communities, and their success as leaders and changemakers. 

Past Internships

Apply what you’ve learned in class in the real world. Our active and enthusiastic alumni network is eager to help you explore internships at a number of organizations, including: 

  • The World Bank
  • U.S. Embassy, London 
  • Massachusetts State Senate
  • Rock the Vote
  • The Aspen Institute
  • The Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • Brookings Institute, African Security Initiative

Live and Learn in the Heart of the County

As the seat of St. Lawrence County, Canton is a hub of political activity. You’ll have opportunities to experience the inner-workings of local politics, volunteer for congressional campaigns, or even intern in the district attorney’s or public defenders’ offices. 

St. Lawrence Public Interest Corps (SLU PIC)

Future advocates and agents of change like you can apply to gain a better understanding of the local public interest and non-profit landscape through the Public Interest Corps. You’ll live on campus over the summer as you help to combat food insecurity, empower entrepreneurship, address public health issues, or preserve local history with organizations like:

  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • GardenShare
  • Planned Parenthood of North Country, New York
  • Frederick Remington Art Museum
  • St. Lawrence Land Trust
  • St. Lawrence County Community Development Program
  • St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce

Learn About Internships

Study Abroad

Take your academic passions abroad and enrich your understanding of different national governments and international relations. Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in more than 20 international locations, including Kenya, London, China, Spain, and Jordan.

Study in Our Nation's Capital 

Spend a semester living, learning, and working in Washington D.C., where you’ll take on an internship and become a part of the city’s vibrant and fast-paced ecosystem. You’ll gain professional experience and have plenty of opportunities to connect with our helpful and enthusiastic alumni community. 

Work-Study Opportunities

Both the London Program and the Kenya Semester Program include month-long work-study placements, which can directly reflect your academic interests. You may end up working in the office of a member of parliament in the United Kingdom or for a healthcare non-profit empowering rural communities in East Africa. 

Short-Term Trips 

In addition to semester- and year-long programs, you’ll also have the chance to participate in short-term travel study trips with faculty members. That could mean spending the afternoon in Ottawa with your Canadian studies class or enrolling in a summer trip to Croatia for an on-the-ground perspective on identity in the Balkans.

Explore Our Programs

Connect with Community

Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find many that involve political science, government, advocacy, leadership, public affairs, and international relations, including: 

  • The Advocates 
  • Environmental Action Organization 
  • SLU Legal
  • Andrew Goodman Foundation
  • SLU Democrats
  • Literacy for Nepal
  • Model United Nations
  • Model Organization of American States
  • The Hill News
  • SLU Adaptive
  • Rotaract
  • PLEN: Preparing Women to Lead
  • Planned Parenthood Generation Action
  • Ubuntu. 
  • Thelomathesian Society
  • Spectrum

Learn More About Student Life a St. Lawrence 

Alumni Network 

St. Lawrence graduates are big thinkers, problem solvers, and fearless leaders at companies and organizations across the country and world. Our alumni network is the second-most influential source for recent graduate employment (only behind internships).

Explore the Power of our Alumni Network

Outcomes

Laurentians do not seem to shy away from complex challenges, and those working in public policy or advocating for change to enhance the lives of others are part of a growing community of alumni.

Learn About Success After St. Lawrence

Why St. Lawrence for Political Science

96%

of recent St. Lawrence graduates majoring in a social science field are employed or continuing their education within a year

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U.S. Dept. of State Diplomacy Lab

Thanks to an official partnership with the United States Department of State (DoS) for its Diplomacy Lab program, you'll have the unique opportunity to impact real-world foreign policy issues. Work alongside career diplomats as you explore a wide range of issues such as climate change, corruption, cybersecurity, data analytics, economic crises, migration, human rights, and terrorism.

Read About the Lab

86%

of students majoring in political science complete at least one internship over the course of their academic career

Grace Huang, wearing a red sweater, stands in front of a classroom and smiles at students. There is a large digital screen in the background.

Meet Prof. Huang

Professor Grace Huang combines critical thinking, a touch of humor, and real-world connections in her teaching. In her classroom, you'll be inspired to explore political systems from around the world and think critically about democracy, governance, and your role as an informed citizen. 

Read the Story

78

miles to Ottawa, making St. Lawrence the closest liberal arts college to another country’s capital

Phil Duggan sits on a leather chair in front of a bookcase and several rows of red, leather-bound books.

Outcomes: Capitalizing on St. Lawrence’s Connection to Cornell Law School

Phil Duggan ’15 is a recipient of the St. Lawrence University-Cornell Law School Scholarship and a 2021 graduate of Cornell Law School. 

Read About His Career Journey

#2

Best Private School Alumni Network

The Princeton Review, 2024

#2

Our students say our alumni network is the second most influential source for employment (only behind internships)

A person rides an all terrain bicycle on a dirt trail in the woods.

Alumni at Work: Advocacy in Action

Laurentians don't shy away from complex challenges. That's why many St. Lawrence graduates go on to work in public policy and advocate for change.

Read About Alums Making a Difference

More Program Information

Program Requirements & Courses

Explore political science major requirements, as well as electives and combined study options.

Complementary and Related Programs

We offer four combined studies programs which allow you to pair your passion for political science with another major area of study.

Popular Double Majors with This Program
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SLU Connect Trips

Spend part of your winter break connecting with alumni where they live and work, and get a sense of how political science majors like you are making an impact across the country—from Burlington, Vermont, to Washington, D.C.

Learn More About our Signature Programs
Laurentians

An Active Alumni Network

The Department of the Interior. The U.S. Senate. New York Amsterdam News. The World Wildlife Fund. Our alumni may have some impressive careers, but what really stands out is their enthusiasm for giving back to current students.

Explore Our Network
Laurentians standing in front of the FBI

Law School Guidance

A liberal arts education is an excellent foundation for law school. Several political science majors have pursued law as a career and were guided by their professors, our Pre-Law Advising Committee, and the Center for Career Excellence.

A group of Saint Lawrence students stand next to a railing overlooking water while abroad in France. White and brown building are in the background.

Global Perspectives

Our department’s expertise and courses cover all regions of the world. For example, you can study international politics on campus and put your education into practice in locations like France, Austria, London, Kenya, and more!

Learn More About Off-Campus Study 

Get More Information

We’re excited to learn more about you, tell you more about our interdisciplinary academic programs, show you around our beautiful campus, and help you navigate your college search.

Apply to St. Lawrence

We’re looking for curious students who are eager to make a difference. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider all aspects of your application and what we learn about you.