Ohio Wesleyan University

What you'll study

This programme provides a foundation in the major subfields of political science while allowing you to tailor your studies through electives and experiential work. Core areas include the study of political institutions, public policy, political theory, comparative politics and international relations, together with training in research methods.

• Core courses: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory and public policy.
• Research and methods: political science research methods, statistics for social scientists, data analysis and research design.
• Specialist electives: constitutional law, political economy, campaign politics, public administration, human rights, and area-focused seminars (e.g. European, Latin American or Middle Eastern politics).
• Experiential components: internship placements, practicum or community-based learning with local, state or national organisations; opportunities for faculty-supervised research.
• Capstone: a senior seminar or integrative research project that synthesises coursework and independent research under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Admission is through Ohio Wesleyan University’s undergraduate process. Successful applicants typically present a complete high-school transcript demonstrating strong academic performance, particularly in humanities and social sciences, along with academic recommendations and a well-developed personal statement. Ohio Wesleyan considers the whole application and offers guidance for applicants from diverse educational systems.

International applicants should provide equivalent secondary qualifications and proof of English-language proficiency if required. Transfer students must submit college transcripts and details of previous coursework for credit evaluation. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the admissions office with questions about portfolio or writing-sample requirements for the major.

Career prospects

A degree in Political Science and Government prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors, as well as further study. Typical career paths include:

• Public service and government roles at local, state and national levels
• Policy analysis, public affairs and legislative work
• Law (many graduates go on to law school) and legal research
• Campaign management, political consulting and advocacy
• International organisations, diplomacy and development work
• Journalism, communications and media analysis
• Non-profit management, research institutes and think tanks
• Business roles that value analytical, writing and research skills

Graduates often combine practical internship experience and faculty-led research from their time at Ohio Wesleyan with alumni networks and career services to transition into these roles or to pursue graduate study.

Why study at Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan is a small liberal-arts university that emphasises close student–faculty interaction, independent research and experiential learning. Political science students benefit from small seminar formats, personalised advising and opportunities to engage in real-world placements and internships in nearby Columbus, the state capital, and beyond.

The department fosters interdisciplinary study and supports study-abroad opportunities, enabling students to broaden comparative and international perspectives. Faculty mentorship culminates in a senior-level capstone or research project, preparing students for professional work or advanced degrees. The campus community and alumni connections also provide ongoing support for internships, networking and career development.