Political Science

At Hanover, political science helps students become independent thinkers and tomorrow’s leaders. You will study governments, public policies and political processes in classes small enough for informal, in-depth discussions. Maybe you will discuss the causes of war or the place of law in society. Maybe you will explore politics and film, or society in contemporary Africa. Because your professors know you, they often will tailor instruction to your interests. If you like good food with your politics, you’ll want to join the group that meets regularly for sessions called Pizza and Politics.

Meet the policy-makers

In alternating years, Hanover offers two Spring Term courses that take students to the sources of some of the most important policies impacting the United States and the world:

• Field Study of Washington, D.C., is an immersive course in policy-making at the federal level. It includes individual directed research and a series of interviews with policy-makers in the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
• Field Study of the United Nations helps students understand the functions and operations of the United Nations. Students interview diplomatic officials from around the world.

What do political science majors study?

• American politics 
• History of political thought 
• Research methods 
• Other topics that interest you, from natural resources policy to constitutional law to political parties

Previous graduates' career and professional placements have included:

• Attorney (Indianapolis, Lexington)
• Army JAG
• Clerk for Federal District Court (Miami)
• Ph.D., University of Maryland

  Graduate school placements have included:

• Washington University
• Florida State University
• Ohio State University
• Indiana University
• George Washington University
• University of Notre Dame