Why Study Political Science at K?
Learn how to make systematic change, evaluate policy, and be a more conscientious citizen by studying political science at Kalamazoo College.
The political science curriculum at K utilizes philosophical, historical, and comparative analysis to examine governments, political movements, politics, and policies. Notably, in small classes, you will have the chance to evaluate events and policies by diving into relevant case studies and political theory. By the time you graduate, you will be well-versed and prepared for a lifetime of engagement in the ever-changing political world.
As a political science student, you will explore the broad fields of U.S., comparative, and international politics and political theory in classes such as Race Law and U.S. Policy; Politics of Latin America; International Law and Organization; and Feminist Political Theories—to name a few. These courses, in addition to the completion of your Senior Integrated Thesis, will give you the skills you need to critically assess, create, and implement policy.
Studying political science at K sets the foundation for future graduate and professional study, as well as opens the door to an assortment of careers in public service, nongovernmental employment, civic engagement, and political activism at the local, state, national, and international levels. Notably, alumni have had successful careers in law, consulting, advocacy, journalism, and government.
What can you do with a political science degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our political science alumni.
Careers
- Attorney
- Political Consultant
- Paralegal
- Legislative Assistant
- Campaign Manager
Employers
- Amnesty International
- Michigan Immigrant Rights Center
- United States Senate
- Nike
- Farmworker Legal Services of Michigan
Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Yale University
- George Washington University
- University of Chicago
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Amy McNutt: (she/her)
Majors: Political Science and French
Minor: Religion
Study Abroad: Strasbourg, France LT
Best Adjective to Describe You: Personable
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
Seeing the subject you study in the real world every day.
What drew you to the department?
The variety of classes. I liked that it was more generalized so I could take finance, marketing, and accounting classes to explore which part of business I liked the most.
what is your favorite thing about K?
The opportunities! I have been able to study abroad, find an internship, and get involved in multiple student organizations. These opportunities have taught me so much about myself, but have also led me to meeting some amazing people.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I have taken on a Religion minor and French major because of Kalamazoo’s flexible curriculum. In a typical school, these things may not have been possible. In particular, my religion minor stemmed from taking a random religion class my freshman year. I fell in love with the department and the class structures, and I have enjoyed expanding my horizons with a subject I never thought I would study!
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
My SIP will be focusing on the results of the European Parliament Election in France. The details are not yet clear for my project, as the French president has called for parliamentary elections to be held this summer. However, this project will be focusing largely on the moderate and far- right parties in France and why they fared well in the European election, and how they do in this upcoming snap election.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I am currently planning to pursue a master’s degree in Political Science at Western Michigan University through our 4+1 program with them. After grad school, I am interested in working in state-level politics with a particular interest in legislative or campaign work.