Political Science
Political Science Program
Whether your goal is a career in law, politics, Foreign Service, teaching or journalism, Carroll’s Department of Political Science will provide the training necessary to prepare you for your future. With excellent professors, courses that require students to develop their writing, critical thinking, and communication skills, and abundant opportunities to gain practical experience through Carroll’s legal and political internship programs, Carroll political science graduates are uniquely prepared for the demands of the professional world and the rigors of graduate studies or law school.
With an impressive 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and modest class sizes, Carroll students enjoy the opportunity to establish close relationships with their instructors and receive individualized attention from professors, who maintain a keen interest in their students’ achievements. Carroll professors are committed to providing rigorous academic challenges in an atmosphere that values ethics and moral principles. You will emerge from Carroll prepared to lead and succeed in both your work and personal endeavors. Check out facebook for the latest news from Carroll's Political Science Department!
Recent Departmental News
Dr. Johnson presented two papers at the Policy History Conference, held in Richmond, VA from June 5-9: "Market Mechanisms within Medicare: the Renewal and Recycling of an Idea in American Politics" and "Housing Vouchers: The Rise, Reign, and Retreat of a Republican Welfare Policy." Dr. Johnson will present an updated version of the Medicare Paper at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference in April. Over the summer, Dr. Johnson conducted archival research at the George H.W Bush library in College Station, TX, at the National Archives in Washington, D.C, and at the federal document repository in Missoula, MT.
On April 22, 2012, Dr. Parsons presented "Approaches to Machiavelli's Prince" at the Midwest Political Science meeting in Chicago, IL. While there, he also served as chair of a panel entitled "British Political Theory." In July, Dr. Parsons attended the 2012 Jack Miller Center Summer Institute for the study of civic education and the American philosophical tradition.
On May 5, Carroll College recognized what political science majors already know: Dr. Pratt was awarded the 2011-2012 Outstanding Teacher Award at the May 2012 Commencement. Already recognized as an Outstanding Scholar, Dr. Pratt is the first Carroll professor to win both awards!
On April 18, 2012, at Carroll's 2010 Honors Convocation, the following students were inducted into Alpha Epsilon XI, Carroll's chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honors society in political science: Laramy Ayers, Odie Otterstrom, Katharine Tate, Will Wright, and Michael Yamoah.
Alumni Spotlight
Eric Henkel, Class of 2008
2011 Graduate of Montana Law School
"The political science department at Carroll played an important role in preparing me for life beyond college. I strongly believe that my successes in law school are attributable to my Carroll education. The political science professors taught me how to critically analyze complex issues and, more importantly, how to clearly and concisely express that analysis through my writing. These are invaluable skills that continue to serve me well in virtually every aspect of my life. By challenging me to improve my writing, critical thinking, and communication skills, Carroll's political science department gave me a competitive advantage over my peers in law school."
10 reasons
to choose carroll college for this program
- To become a better citizen
- Ability to gain practical work experience through Political and Legal Internship Program
- Outstanding faculty who offer attentive advising
- Strong record of law/graduate school placement
- To be able to understand the jokes on the Daily Show
- Courses that provide solid foundation in American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory
- Helena is a State Capital, presenting numerous opportunities to become involved in politics
- Numerous opportunities for faculty-supervised independent study
- Courses that develop your writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills
- Three words: Senior Seminar Skit
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THIS DEGREE?
A degree in political science can lead to many careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; electoral politics and teaching. Specific career opportunities include Activist, Advocate/Organizer, CIA Analyst or Agent, City Planner, City Housing Administrator, Congressional Office/Committee Staffer, Coordinator of Federal or State Aid, Corporate Public Affairs Advisor, Customs Officer, Federal Government Analyst, Foreign Service Officer, High School Government Teacher, Immigration Officer, International Agency Officer, International Research Specialist, Legislative Analyst / Coordinator, Lobbyist, Policy Analyst, Political Commentator, Pollster, Public Affairs Research Analyst, Public Opinion Analyst, State Legislator, University Administrator and University Professor.
