Political Science
 At Hollins, the political science major is a rich and dynamic course of study that prepares students for employment in fields such as law, journalism, international business, and public service. The major emphasizes the relationship between politics in theory and politics in action. You can practice what you learn in the classroom both on and off campus. On campus you can hone your leadership skills by serving on student government committees, the Honor Court, the student newspaper, in the University Democrats, Republicans, Green Party, or Independent Party. Also on campus, you can join the Black Student Alliance, Voice, or Outloud. Off campus, you'll add a practical dimension to political theory by working as an intern during January Short Term. Check out the list of recent internships below.
Tailor the Major to Fit Your Interests
Political science has two areas of focus: international politics, which encompasses comparative politics, international relations, and political theory; and American politics. In addition students can, with the guidance of their departmental advisor, opt to develop a special interest such as the American judicial system or Latin American politics.
Sharpen Your Skills with Meaningful Research
In addition to giving you a broad background in political science, we help you develop as a thinker, researcher, and writer. For example, one recent graduate combined a Russian literature and political science major to write a thesis on the aftereffects of Perestroika. Another compared the application of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to African-Americans and to women in gender-related cases. Yet another gathered data on black voting registration figures in every county in South Carolina. Now she applies this tenaciousness and imagination to her field of financial management.
Test the Career Waters with Hands-on Internships
Internships, an integral part of a Hollins University education, will give you entrees into careers. The faculty have extensive contacts in law and government that connect Hollins students to internships each January, some of which include:
- U.S. Congress
- White House
- Virginia Commonwealth government
- Public Defender's Office, Roanoke
- Law enforcement
- Private attorneys, in Roanoke, regionally, and out of state
- Prosecutorial offices
Expand Your Horizons with Study Abroad
Study abroad can be invaluable to political science majors because it provides insights into the political systems of other countries. Hollins directs two international study programs of its own, one in Paris and one in London. In addition, students can take advantage of a wide range of study abroad opportunities, including programs in Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Hollins Graduates: Where are they now?
Political science graduates have earned Ph.D.s in various fields, have become nationally recognizable media personalities, have gone into financial management, and have become attorneys, publishers, editors, and political advisors. Graduate schools attended include Duke University, Georgetown University, University of Illinois, University of South Carolina, Yale, and Harvard, among many others.
Faculty
Betty Jo Anthony, lecturer; B.A., Westhampton College; M.B.A., Virginia Commonwealth University; J.D., T.C. Williams School of Law
Donald S. Caldwell, lecturer; B.A., Virginia Military Institute; J.D., University of Richmond
Edward A. Lynch, (homepage) associate professor; B.A., St. Joseph's University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Virginia
Jong Oh Ra, professor; A.B., M.S., Indiana State University; M.S.L.S., Ph.D., University of Illinois
Susan L. Thomas, associate professor; B.A., California State Polytechnic University; M.A., Ph.D., University of California-Riverside
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