Swarthmore and Political Science

Has anyone here studied political science at Swarthmore? What's the program like, and what kind of experiences did you have? Does the school have good connections for internships and job opportunities?

I haven't studied political science at Swarthmore personally, but I can give you some information about the program and its resources. Swarthmore is a highly regarded liberal arts college, and its political science department is known for offering a diverse range of courses, small class sizes, and plenty of individual attention from professors.

The program focuses on four major subfields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. This allows students to explore various aspects of politics and develop their own areas of interest. To keep students engaged and facilitate discussions, the department often organizes guest lectures, panel discussions, and events on various political topics.

In terms of internships and job opportunities, Swarthmore has the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility, which plays a vital role in connecting students with local, national, and international organizations for internships and other experiential learning opportunities. The Lang Center can also help students find funding for unpaid internships, volunteer work, or research projects.

Swarthmore is located near Philadelphia, which gives students access to numerous political and non-profit organizations, where they can gain practical experience and build their professional network. Additionally, being close to major cities like Washington D.C. and New York City provides even more opportunities to find internships and employment in political fields.

Finally, Swarthmore alumni have connections in a variety of sectors including government, non-profit, academia, and private sectors. It's common for alumni to recruit other Swarthmore students for internships or jobs, and attending on-campus career fairs or alumni networking events can be particularly beneficial for political science majors.

In summary, Swarthmore's political science program offers students a strong foundation in the field, as well as the support and resources to find internships and job opportunities.