Harvey Mudd College

What you'll study

The programme combines core political-science subjects with training in research methods and quantitative analysis, emphasising empirical approaches to understanding political behaviour, institutions and public policy. Courses typically cover political theory, comparative politics, American government, international relations, public policy, constitutional law and ethics.

• Core modules: Political Theory, Comparative Politics, American Government, International Relations.
• Methods and skills: Research Design, Statistics for Social Science, Quantitative Methods, Public Opinion and Survey Research.
• Policy and applied topics: Public Policy Analysis, Campaigns and Elections, Urban and Environmental Policy, Human Rights and Global Governance.
• Capstone and research: Senior thesis or capstone project involving original research, often with faculty supervision and opportunities to use quantitative or qualitative methods.

Harvey Mudd students benefit from cross-registration across the Claremont Colleges, enabling access to specialised seminars, internship pipelines and faculty across allied departments such as economics, computer science and environmental analysis. Emphasis is placed on clear written argument, data literacy and ethical reasoning.

Entry requirements

Admission to Harvey Mudd is competitive and looks for strong overall academic achievement, intellectual curiosity and potential for interdisciplinary work. For applicants intending to study political science, typical expectations include:

• Academic record: High-school diploma with a strong transcript; demonstrated excellence in humanities and social-science coursework as well as quantitative subjects where possible.
• Skills and preparation: Evidence of writing ability, critical reading, and comfort with quantitative reasoning; prior coursework in history, civics, economics or statistics is advantageous.
• Application materials: Personal statement that outlines interests in politics and public life, teacher or counsellor recommendations, and any supplementary essays or portfolios as required by the college admissions process.

Because students can take political-science courses through the Claremont Colleges consortium, some programme-specific prerequisites may be fulfilled by courses taken at partner institutions during the undergraduate years.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Political Science and Government degree from Harvey Mudd commonly follow careers that combine policy knowledge with analytical and technical skills. Typical destinations include:

• Public service and government (local, state, national)
• Policy analysis and public-policy research at think tanks or NGOs
• Law and legal professions (many graduates pursue further legal study)
• Political campaigns, advocacy and communications
• Consulting, especially roles requiring data analysis and strategic thinking
• International organisations, diplomacy and human-rights organisations
• Graduate study in political science, public policy, international relations or related fields

Harvey Mudd’s emphasis on quantitative skills, combined with access to internship and research opportunities across the Claremont Colleges, helps graduates stand out for roles that demand both clear writing and data-driven reasoning.

Why study at Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd offers a small, mentorship-rich undergraduate environment that encourages interdisciplinary work — ideal for students who want to pair political inquiry with quantitative and technical skills. Small class sizes and close faculty supervision support intensive research projects and senior theses.

• Interdisciplinary strength: Opportunities to combine political science with economics, data science, environmental studies or computer science.
• Consortium access: Cross-registration across the Claremont Colleges expands course options, seminars and internship networks.
• Undergraduate research: Strong support for independent research projects and faculty-mentored capstones.
• Career support: Robust career services and alumni networks that help students secure internships and post-graduate opportunities in government, policy, law and beyond.