As a government major, you connect with some of the most complex issues of our time. You delve into political theory, comparative politics, U.S. politics and international political issues. You study gender rights as well as environmental politics and policy. You examine civil liberties and how societies weigh them against national security needs.

We offer a dynamic program with a large and engaged faculty and a high level of student interest. Award-winning professors challenge you to explore issues and articulate your thoughts through written and oral presentations.

Our majors have successful careers in policy analysis, journalism, law, national security, international nongovernmental organizations and government relations. Many attend law school or graduate programs in law enforcement, public administration, political science, media relations and journalism.

International opportunities and study abroad

Most government majors study abroad. Some spend a semester with a small group of Connecticut College students and one or two professors who travel together. Government faculty have led these Study Away Teach Away programs to Vietnam, Italy and Spain. Some government courses also include a travel component of one to three weeks.

Special opportunities

You can focus your interest in government and international issues by pursuing a certificate from one of the College's interdisciplinary academic centers. The Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy stresses service learning and action research. If environmental issues are your passion, consider the Goodwin-Niering Center for the Environment. For an international emphasis, look to the Toor Cummings Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts – it includes foreign language study and an overseas internship.

Learn more about Connections, Connecticut College's innovative new curriculum.

Connections