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    Why Study Political Science?

    The study of policy and politics can complement almost any field. Political Science minors are asked the questions: What is control, and who has it? How do cultural systems reveal power and its abuse? Why advocate for civil rights and the environment? Are you curious for the answers?

    Political Science is the study of government and politics. It is concerned with the control, use, and abuse of power in institutions, public policy, and social and cultural systems.

    Why Study Political Science at MMC?

    The Political Science curriculum at MMC focuses on political theory; American political institutions, processes, and behaviors; and comparative politics. By promoting these areas of inquiry, our faculty make a significant contribution to the major program in Politics and Human Rights. In addition, the minor in Political Science provides an excellent supplement to academic work in other areas, particularly for students considering careers in government/politics, criminal justice, law, public policy, civil service, teaching, or business. 

    Political Science minors have opportunities to:

    • Intern with and conduct research for philanthropic, news, or arts organizations
    • Help plan city budgets or elect local or national politicians
    • Explore vital community and cultural issues and institutions
    • Participate in combined courses with students in MMC’s Bedford Hills College Program(opens in a new tab) for incarcerated women
    • Gain experience working with international organizations and companies
    • Experience study abroad(opens in a new tab) and faculty-led travel courses, and much more!

    Contact

    Erin O’Connor
    erinoconnor@mmm.edu
    Chair, Department of Politics and Human Rights

    Combine this minor with…

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    Program Highlights

    MMC President Kerry Walk (center right) with the 2018 Bedford Hills College Program graduates.

    Prison Education Collaboration

    Through our signature Prison Education programs, women incarcerated at Taconic and Bedford Hills Correctional Facilities can earn a degree in Politics and Human Rights. Select PHR courses at our East 71st campus are linked with Taconic and Bedford courses through shared readings and assignments. In addition, MMC hosts a bi-annual conference at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.
    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRISON EDUCATION PROGRAMS

    Sojourner Truth Suffrage Academy

    The Suffrage Academy curriculum is designed to give students the opportunity to explore the history of enfranchisement in the United States and beyond. Courses are offered in departments across the College, including the arts, business, communications, history, and the social sciences; each will critically engage suffrage in its own way.
    JOIN THE SOJOURNER TRUTH SUFFRAGE ACADEMY
    Career Counselor/Internship Coordinator Susan Ach

    Meaningful Careers

    After graduation, many of our students work to effect change, whether it’s at New York City Hall, in the criminal justice reform system, arts education, or transgender housing equity.
    READ ALUMNI STORIES

    Careers and Outcomes

    Political Science is building on the success of the Social Science departments at Marymount Manhattan College. Students who have studied the Social Sciences with us have gone on to have diverse and fulfilling careers and often help change their communities for the better. Below, you’ll hear from some of our alums in our Social Science community. These students, all of whom have studied with Politics and Human Rights faculty, are pursuing great opportunities in graduate and law school, or serving their communities in government, the private sector, counseling, and not-for-profit and community planning organizations. 

    careers

    • Congressperson
    • Lawyer
    • Teacher
    • Freelance Journalist
    • Fulbright Scholar
    • Research Assistant
    • Office of the Chancellor, NYC Department of Education

    employers

    • NYC City Hall
    • MSNBC
    • New York City Council

    The Sojourner Truth Suffrage Academy

    Designed to give students the opportunity to explore the history of enfranchisement in the United States and beyond, the Academy offers connection- and immersion-level courses, from American History classes to Black Female Sexuality in Film, Photography and Social Engagement, and The Social Psychology of Dress, among others. The Academy also offers a robust speaker series and collaborates with MMC’s renowned Prison Education programs.

    CHECK OUT THE SPEAKER SERIES

    Start your journey today.

    Learn more about the application process, take a virtual tour, and chat with current students right from the comfort of your home.

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