MIT Political Science

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS  |  Undergraduate Studies

Magnify your lens on the world:

the Concentration in Political Science

What is the true nature of political and economic change on the ground in rural China? Why are some capitalist countries more successful than others at maintaining wage and income equality? How do fair trade food policies affect agricultural development in Africa and Latin America? What triggers tax revolts in western democracies?

If you are compelled to dig for answers to questions like these, a concentration in political science is a good fit. Our subjects will push you beyond political theory and conventional wisdom to think critically about emerging problems in societies across the globe. You will learn how leading political scientists and researchers select, develop, and apply rigorous analytical methodologies to meet specific challenges. You also will begin to understand how innovations in your technical field reach—or fail to reach—the people they are designed to help.

Read the requirements for a concentration in political science.
Talk to our concentration advisor.

Requirements.

1. Three subjects.
To complete a concentration in political science, you must take three subjects that constitute a cohesive focus on an area of the world like East Asia, a subfield of political science like U.S. politics, or a special issue or problem like ethnic conflict in developing countries.

Choose your subjects from any of the seven subfields below provided they represent a cohesive focus.

Political Philosophy/Social Theory
Political Economy
American Politics
Public Policy
International Politics
Comparative Politics
Methods and Models

2. Tier I and Tier II subject distribution.
Subjects in each subfield are divided into two tiers. A concentration should include some depth, so three introductory level classes cannot form a concentration.

Tier I—Introductory subjects that provide you with broad theoretical and empirical overviews. Tier I subjects have two-digit numbers and include topics like

17.20 Introduction to the American Political Process
17.40 American Foreign Policy
17.50 Introduction to Comparative Politics

Tier II—Advanced subjects that provide you with an in-depth understanding of specialized topics. Tier II subjects, designated with three-digit numbers, include

17.195 Globalization
17.405 Politics and Conflict in the Middle East
17.811 Game Theory and Political Theory

See the full list of subjects offered by MIT Political Science.

Talk to our concentration advisor.

If you are planning to concentrate in political science, you should contact the political science undergraduate office as soon as possible. Your concentration in political science must be approved by our concentration advisor, Professor Andrea Campbell.

Professor Andrea Campbell, Concentration Advisor
Tobie Weiner, Undergraduate Administrator
Scott Schnyer, Administrative Assistant