Understand the important factors that shape politics by majoring or minoring in Hobart and William Smith's Department of Politics. You'll gain knowledge on a range of theoretical perspectives and epistemological methods to be an engaged, critical, and active participant in governmental and societal operations. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct independent academic research and learn to write clearly about significant political trends and events.
The program covers various topics, theories and approaches to American politics in three concentrations: Politics, Political Entrepreneurship and Ancient and Contemporary Democracies.
You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of the political landscape, contemporary issues and the elements behind them.
HWS Grad combines passion for cultural immersion, service to others and academic interests on assignment in Viet Nam as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Three HWS students enter their business plans prepared for the HWS’ 2025 Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch competition to the New York State Contest.
Renowned Scholar Wendy Pearlman to discuss forced migration and the concept of home during this year’s Anderton Forum for Global Engagement.
"Associate Professor of Politics DeWayne Lucas has been an integral part of my academic experience, constantly challenging me to think critically and analytically through class discussions and in my writing. These experiences have helped me as I pursue a career as an officer in the United States Marine Corps."
Politics students looking to engage more in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Past examples of Honors projects include:
Politics students who excel in their courses are eligible to be inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.
Students inducted in the spring of their junior year must have a 3.7 grade point average, while the GPA for senior inductees is 3.5. National rules require that inducted students have had six political science classes.
Experience what careers in Washington, D.C. are like during the Day on the Hill Trip or attend lectures hosted by the Fisher Center for the Study of Gender and Justice about how policy changes affect marginalized communities.
At Hobart and William Smith, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.
Amplify your Politics degree with the skills, knowledge and ethical foundation needed to be a leader in the 21st century. In partnership with the Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, our department offers the opportunity to engage in leadership development that culminates in a degree with leadership distinction and provides a competitive edge when applying to internships, jobs and graduate or professional school.
To graduate with leadership distinction, you will complete a series of foundational, action-oriented and reflective milestones within the Politics and Leadership curriculum. We encourage you to begin your leadership journey as early as your second semester on campus.
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Explore the cultural and political ideas and thoughts that shape governments throughout the European Union or examine political movements in the Middle East and Africa.
Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.
Learn the foundations behind politics and how they impact all facets of life.
Examine the role of the two major elected branches in American politics — the Congress and the Presidency — as institutions for political decision making.
Engage in a critical inquiry into the values and weaknesses of the law as a mechanism for seeking social and political justice.
Explore how particular narratives and myths have structured an American national ways and balanced the collective goods of society with individual freedoms, obligations to citizenship and charity.
Politics majors can choose between three concentrations: Politics, Political Entrepreneurship or Ancient and Contemporary Democracies.
The Politics concentration delves further into the theories, systems, and processes of American governance and engagement.
The Political Entrepreneurship concentration links the skills and spirit of entrepreneurship with the challenges of modern American politics. The concentration incorporates classes from the Management and Entrepreneurship Program.
The concentration in Ancient and Contemporary Democracies examines and contrasts democratic principles and structures from the ancient world to modern American politics. This concentration blends courses in Politics and Greek and Roman Studies.
Applying thoughtful insight into his classes while at HWS, Joshua is using his education to gain a law degree and give back to the community.
