Marymount Manhattan College

What you'll study

The Political Science and Government degree blends core political theory and history with practical training in research, data interpretation and policy analysis. Students take a combination of required core courses and electives to build breadth and depth across subfields of political science.

• Core topics: American government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory and public policy.
• Research and methods: Courses in political research methods, statistics for social sciences, qualitative methods, and seminar work that develop skills in empirical analysis and argumentation.
• Practical learning: Internship placement in government agencies, non‑profits, advocacy organisations, media outlets or political campaigns in New York City; practicum courses that translate classroom learning into workplace skills.
• Capstone experience: Senior seminar or research project that requires independent study, original research, or a substantive policy paper under faculty supervision.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: Students can choose electives in areas such as public administration, human rights, urban politics, environmental policy, economics, sociology and media studies to tailor the degree to specific interests.

Entry requirements

Marymount Manhattan College evaluates applicants holistically, looking for evidence of academic preparation, intellectual curiosity and readiness for a liberal arts curriculum. Typical requirements include:

• Successful completion of a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent.
• High school transcript demonstrating a strong academic record; the college considers course rigor and grade trends.
• Personal statement or essay that outlines academic interests and reasons for studying political science.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or counsellors are recommended to support the application.
• Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be submitted; Marymount Manhattan operates a test‑optional policy, so applicants should check current guidance and decide whether submitting scores will strengthen their file.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional pathways unless exempted.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Political Science and Government are prepared for a wide range of careers that value analytical thinking, communication and an understanding of political processes. Common pathways include:

• Public sector roles in local, state, or federal government and policy agencies.
• Law and legal support roles; many students pursue law school or take pre‑law coursework as part of their degree.
• Non‑profit and NGO work in advocacy, programme management and research.
• Policy analysis, legislative assistance and public affairs positions.
• Journalism, communications, and media positions covering politics and public policy.
• Campaign management, political consulting and civic engagement organisations.
• Further study in graduate programmes in public policy, international relations, political science, or related fields.

Why study at Marymount Manhattan College

Marymount Manhattan offers a liberal arts education in the heart of New York City, providing direct access to internships, civic institutions and cultural organisations that enrich political science study. The college emphasises small class sizes, close faculty mentoring and experiential learning — all of which support hands‑on training and personalised academic advising.

• Location: Manhattan locations give students immediate access to government offices, think tanks, media outlets and non‑profits for internships and networking.
• Faculty engagement: Faculty are active teachers and mentors who guide research projects, senior capstones and career planning.
• Internship and career support: The college provides resources to place students in internships, complement coursework with practical experience and assist with graduate school or job applications.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: Close ties with related departments and programmes let students combine political science with economics, communications, international studies or law‑related coursework.