History, Philosophy, Political Science & Economics Department

History, Philosophy, Political Science & Economics

Local Excellence, Global Reach

The Department of History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics offers six academic programs with internship options: History, Political Science, Law, International Studies, Economics, and Philosophy. It also provides a path to the 3+3 Law program. Our graduates enjoy a wide variety of career opportunities in government, law, education, nonprofits, and the private sector.

The History major advances students' broad knowledge of U.S. and world history. Our majors and minors refine their analytical, communication, and research skills in the stimulating study of diverse communities, cultures, and societies on all continents, from the ancient world to today.

The Political Science major provides its graduates with the analytical skills necessary to understand how governments function at the local, state, national, and international levels, who is involved in political systems both within and outside government institutions, and the policy outcomes that are the result of the political process. Over the course of four years, students will develop a critical mindset that is needed to evaluate diverse sources of political information, as well as formulate and communicate their own opinions.

Our interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in Law offers an exciting course of study for students interested in investigating the origins, institutional frameworks, and theoretical foundations of law and justice as they relate to society. This major looks at these subjects in a wide variety of contexts that include state and federal governments in the United States, similar institutions in foreign nations, and within the framework of the international community. Throughout the curriculum, students are challenged to consider the implications that the law has for building a more just and equitable world that embraces the contributions of all of its diverse communities.

The Economics major represents different schools of economic thought, as well as a very wide variety of research and teaching interests. Those fields of interest include urban economics, the broad role of government in the economy, the intersection of politics and economics, the economics of sports, international and regional-urban economics, and government participation in markets.

International Studies promotes global understanding and lifelong learning through an international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary curriculum. It fosters understanding of world societies and global issues from many different disciplinary perspectives.

The study of Philosophy helps develop students' critical and analytical capacities, enhance the ability to understand complicated texts, and refine the ability to argue and persuade. Each of our classes helps students to better understand, appreciate, and respect multiple points of view.

Students from a variety of majors may choose to enroll in The Washington Semester, where they may study and intern in the nation’s capitol.

Minors