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Political Science

B.A.

single-paper-background political science

The political science program emphasizes the relationship between politics in theory and politics in action. Students practice what they learn in the classroom both on and off campus. This falls under the global politics and societies (GPS) department which includes four separate major programs of study in sociology, religious studies, political science, and international studies and one minor program of study in social justice.

Tracks

Political Science Major

The Political Science Program has four areas of focus:

  • International relations
  • Comparative politics
  • Political theory
  • American politics

In addition students can, with the guidance of their departmental advisor, opt to develop a special interest such as the American judicial system, Latin American politics, or gender in politics.

Courses and Requirements (PDF)
Political Science BA Major Map (PDF)

“The professors here are so helpful and approachable. I ask a lot of questions about how they ended up where they are, and it’s been great learning about all their experiences. It is definitely informing what I want to do.”

Jay Garcia '26

During Summer 2023 she participated in the Law School Admissions Council’s PLUS Program. It offers selected prelaw undergraduate scholars an opportunity to experience what law school is all about and learn about the path to enrollment.

Jay Garcia

My knowledge [translating Hollins courses such as Gender and the Law to legal practice] will be an asset to my community. Born and raised in Texas, continuing my training at the University of Houston Law Center is an honor. [The program will make me a] better advocate in a state I love.”

Leah Wilkins

who was named a Prelaw Undergraduate Scholar by the Law School Admission Council

Leah Wilkins '23

"Professors use their courses to teach students to think critically and creatively. Small class sizes give students the confidence to explore their positions, to defend them, to make mistakes, and to try again. Professors expect a lot from their students, but they are always accessible, supportive, and willing to help."

Lauren Smith

J.D., University of Michigan Law School

“Hollins exceeded my expectations. I figured there would be a small community feel, but I don’t think I expected the care that I’ve gotten from the professors here. It has really been very helpful, and it’s been across the board.”

Patrice Lawrence

Patrice was accepted into the New York School of Law as well as the New England School of Law

Patrice Lawrence

"We should all be so lucky to have professors who are personally invested in their students’ growth and success. That investment, combined with rigorous academics and small class sizes, prepared me well for law school. I owe my success there to Hollins and its political science department."

Lauren Smith

J.D., University of Michigan Law School

Meet Our PoliSci Faculty

Internships and Graduate Success

  • Social Sciences Internships

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    Hollins students majoring in social sciences have recently engaged in internships with the below as well as dozens of other industries and institutions:

    • U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC

    • MSNBC, Washington, DC

    • Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, Henrico, VA

    • Office of Senator Mark R. Warner, Roanoke, VA

    • Derfner, Altman, & Wilborn [law office], Charleston, SC

    • chocolatepaper, Roanoke, VA

    • Business Dialogue, London, England

    • Index on Censorship, London, England

    • Estée Lauder Global Communications, New York, NY

    • Gilman Hill Asset Management, Westport, CT

    • Rosemount Center [early childhood education], Washington, DC

    • District Court of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

    • Roanoke Regional Partnership, Roanoke, VA

    • Niles Bolton Associates, Inc. [architecture], Atlanta, GA

    • Miss Virginia Scholarship Program, Roanoke, VA

    • International Spy Museum, Washington, DC

    • Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Washington, DC

    • The Marco Rubio Campaign, Washington, DC

    • Office of Overseas Programming & Training Support (OPATS) / Peace Corps, Washington, DC

    • Ogilvy Government Relations, Washington, DC

    • U.S. Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, Washington, DC

    • White House Historical Association, Washington, DC

    • Ditto Public Affairs, Brooklyn, NY

    • Emerald Creek Capital LLC, New York, NY

    • PBS NYC, New York, NY

    • Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC, New York, NY

    • SARA (Sexual Assault Response and Awareness), Roanoke, VA

  • Graduate and Professional Schools

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    Below is just a small sampling of acceptances into graduate and professional schools by social science majors from Hollins:

    • Brandeis University Heller School of Social Policy and Management

    • College of William and Mary, Mason School of Business

    • Johns Hopkins University

    • New School of New York

    • Purdue University

    • University of Houston Law Center

    • University of Michigan Law School

    • University of Southern California

    • University of Virginia Law School

  • PoliSci: Excellent Prep for a Variety of Careers

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    Political science majors find fulfilling work in:

    • Law

    • Journalism

    • International business

    • Public service

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