Keuka College

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree blends historical analysis with core political science disciplines. You will study how political institutions evolve, how ideas and movements shape public policy, and how historical context informs contemporary political challenges.

• Core political science topics: American government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy and research methods.
• Core history topics: modern European history, United States history, diplomatic and intellectual history, and specialised regional or thematic courses such as social or cultural history.
• Research and skills: historical methods, qualitative and quantitative research techniques, statistics for social sciences, archival work, oral history and advanced writing seminars.
• Capstone and experiential learning: senior seminar or capstone project that integrates historical perspective with political analysis; applied internships with government offices, NGOs or community organisations; participation in May Term short courses and field study opportunities.
• Electives and minors: options to pair the major with minors such as public administration, economics, international studies or education, and study-abroad modules to broaden international understanding.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical admission prioritises a balanced academic record, strong written communication and history or social studies preparation.

• High school transcripts showing steady academic performance across a broad curriculum.
• Personal statement or admissions essay demonstrating interest in history and politics and readiness for college-level analysis.
• Letters of recommendation that can attest to academic potential and civic engagement are encouraged.
• Mature or transfer applicants should supply college transcripts and a brief statement of purpose; relevant work or volunteer experience strengthens an application.
• Standardised test submission policies may be flexible; consult the College for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with strong analytical, research and written communication skills valued across many sectors. The programme prepares students for a range of careers and further study.

• Public service and government roles at local, state and national levels.
• Policy analysis, legislative assistance and public affairs for NGOs, think tanks and advocacy groups.
• Law (graduates often pursue legal study), paralegal work and compliance roles.
• Education, including secondary teaching and museum or archival work with appropriate certification or graduate study.
• Media, journalism, communications and research roles in the private sector.
• Graduate programmes in history, political science, public administration and international relations.

Why study at Keuka College

Keuka College offers a liberal arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling personalised attention to research projects and internships. The College emphasises experiential learning—students frequently undertake internships, community-based projects and May Term field courses that bring classroom learning into practical settings.

Being located in the Finger Lakes region provides opportunities for regional history and public policy projects, while the College’s alumni network and relationships with government and non-profit organisations help students secure internships and employment. The supportive advising system and flexible curriculum make it straightforward to combine history and political science with complementary disciplines or professional pathways.