When considering prestigious institutions for the study of government, public policy, and international affairs, Georgetown University in Washington, D․C․, is frequently at the top of the list․ Prospective students often ask: “Does Georgetown have a political science major?”
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The Government Major: Georgetown’s Distinctive Approach
The short answer is yes, though with an important academic distinction․ While many universities use the traditional label of “Political Science,” Georgetown University houses its equivalent program within the Department of Government․ This department is one of the most highly regarded in the world, benefiting immensely from its physical proximity to the U․S․ Capitol, the Supreme Court, and numerous international policy organizations․
Students pursuing a degree in this field will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Government․ This major covers the traditional pillars of political science, including:
- Political Theory: Exploring the history and philosophy behind modern governance․
- American Government: Analyzing the mechanics of the U․S․ political system, Congress, and the presidency․
- Comparative Politics: Examining the political structures and behaviors of different nations․
- International Relations: Investigating how states, non-governmental organizations, and global markets interact․
Why Study Government at Georgetown?
Choosing to study “Government” rather than a generic “Political Science” degree at Georgetown offers students several unique advantages:
Proximity to Power
Located in the heart of Washington, D․C․, Georgetown offers unparalleled access to internships․ Students frequently spend their days at think tanks, lobbying firms, and government agencies, applying the theories learned in lecture halls to real-world scenarios․ This professional integration is a cornerstone of the Georgetown experience․
The Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS)
Beyond the standard Government major in the College of Arts & Sciences, many students opt for the Edmund A․ Walsh School of Foreign Service․ While this is a separate school within the university, its curriculum is deeply intertwined with political study, offering specialized majors like International Politics that push the boundaries of traditional political science․
Academic Rigor and Faculty
The faculty at Georgetown’s Department of Government includes former high-ranking government officials, career diplomats, and leading academic researchers․ The research produced by this department influences policy and public discourse regularly․
Is it the Right Choice for You?
If your goal is to pursue a career in public service, law, international diplomacy, or political advocacy, the Government major at Georgetown is widely considered a gold standard․ The program is rigorous, requiring students to think critically about power, ethics, and civic responsibility․
