Political Science
Why Study Political Science at Bryn Mawr College?
If you are invested in the ways that political structures affect people’s lives, the Political Science program at Bryn Mawr College is the place to be. Political science is about learning how to think about these structures and form meaningful arguments to change our world for the better.
As part of the poli sci program, you will learn about politics in contexts from local government to international systems. Together we will ask questions about the different ways in which people organize society, power, and authority.
Courses of Study
Bryn Mawr College offers a political science major and a political science minor.
Lourdes Sankar '27"I was so excited to participate in such an amazing opportunity and could not wait to meet all the amazing women on the research project."
Course Highlights
POLS B121 Introduction to U.S. Politics
As the American political system continues to face challenges from both the right and the left, it is more important than ever to understand its key features, institutions, personnel and policy-making processes. This course provides a broad overview of the structures, personnel and institutions that govern and shape elections and policymaking in the United States. This course provides an overview of these key features. Writing Attentive.
POLS B258 Living Justly in an Unkind World
An introduction to the fundamental problems of political philosophy, especially the relationship between political life and the human good or goods.
POLS B229 Politics of Women's Empowerment
The “empowerment of women” has become a key goal, whether real or rhetorical, of governments and politically involved non-governmental institutions across the globe. Whether through foreign aid programs targeted at women or reserved seats within domestic legislatures, it is not uncommon to see policies meant to “empower” women. But what does “empowerment” actually entail? Is it about assimilating women into existing political and economic structures? What types of power are being given to women, and how are they to use it? Which women are being “empowered”? How does the “empowerment” of women fit with other goals of those already in power? Is this a victory for feminism? We will take a cross-national approach to the issue, looking at how various polities are approaching women’s empowerment, both at home and abroad.
Student's Perspectives
What students are saying about their experience studying Political Science
Faculty Spotlight
Michael H. Allen
Professor of Political Science on the Harvey Wexler Chair in Political Science
Michael H. Allen’s teaching interests are International Studies, with specialization in International Political Economy and International Law. His research and publications focus on the international political economy of African and Caribbean regions, and the challenges of governance.
Michael Allen has taught Introduction to International Politics over several years at Bryn Mawr. This 100 level course serves as one of the gateways to the Major in Political Science, to the Concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies and to the Minor in International Studies which Allen helped to create at Bryn Mawr.
A Bright Future
How Political Science grads are lighting their paths
Gwen Michael-Jones '14"A lot of my research is looking at the future with climate change as a global, trans-generational risk in mind. Where can we mitigate threats? How can we adapt?"
Opportunities for Political Science Majors and Minors
Research
Research opportunities at Bryn Mawr College aren't just for STEM majors. As a political science student, you have the chance to work with professors on important projects around the world.
Internships
Internships are a great way for you to gain experience and professional connections while still studying. Recent political science students have taken on internships from being a literacy camp counselor in Philadelphia to an international security researcher in Vienna.
Study Abroad
Political Science is an interconnected field, with local policies effecting global change. Study abroad is the perfect chance to step into a new way of seeing the world.
Changemakers: Mawrters in Politics
PoliSci Majors Sarah Lesser and Mikecia Witherspoon are among the alums making a difference.
Sarah Lesser '14"I don’t want to be the person who wrote the background memo. I want to point to a statute and say I was one of the people who helped make that possible."
Frequently Asked Questions About the Political Science Program at Bryn Mawr
A political science major is an undergraduate program focused on how political systems, institutions, and power structures shape society. At Bryn Mawr, the political science degree spans local government, international relations, political philosophy, and women's empowerment — with an emphasis on analytical thinking and persuasive writing rather than rote memorization.
Bryn Mawr's political science degree is highly individualized — there are no required courses. Instead, each student builds a custom program in close consultation with a faculty advisor. This approach develops analytical sophistication and strong writing skills, and students have access to research opportunities and internships, including a semester in Washington, D.C.
A bachelor's in political science from Bryn Mawr opens doors across many fields. Graduates have pursued careers in public service, law, international development, education, journalism, and nonprofit leadership — in the U.S. and around the world. The degree's emphasis on critical thinking and argumentation is valued in virtually every professional sector.
Yes. In addition to the full political science major, Bryn Mawr offers a political science minor — a great option for students who want to complement another area of study, such as economics, history, or sociology, with a grounding in political analysis and theory.
Absolutely. Research at Bryn Mawr isn't limited to STEM fields — political science students regularly collaborate with faculty on projects with real-world impact. Students also pursue internships locally and nationally, with many taking advantage of Bryn Mawr's connections to government, policy organizations, and advocacy groups.
A political science degree consistently ranks among the most versatile humanities degrees available. It builds transferable skills — critical analysis, research, writing, and ethical reasoning — that are highly sought after in law, business, government, and the nonprofit sector. Bryn Mawr graduates with a political science major have gone on to distinguished careers worldwide.
Social Sciences News
Political Science is part of a robust program of Social Sciences at Bryn Mawr College. See what's happening:
Contact Us
Political Science
Dalton Hall
Bryn Mawr College
101 N. Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-2899
Phone: 610-526-5331