Emory University

What you'll study

The curriculum covers core subfields of political science and offers flexibility for specialisation. Typical areas and course topics include:

• Political theory — classical and contemporary ideas about justice, authority and democracy.
• American politics — institutions, constitutional law, public opinion and elections.
• Comparative politics — political systems, party dynamics and state–society relations across countries.
• International relations — diplomacy, conflict, international organisations and global governance.
• Public policy and administration — policy design, implementation and evaluation across sectors.
• Research methods and political methodology — qualitative methods, statistical analysis and research design for causal inference.
• Electives and seminars — focused topics such as political behaviour, gender and politics, human rights, or regional politics.

Most students complete a mix of required core courses, methodological training, elective seminars and a capstone experience. Capstones can include a senior thesis, practicum or a supervised research project. There are also opportunities for internships, community-engaged research and study abroad to apply classroom learning to real-world settings.

Entry requirements

Admission to Emory University is competitive and based on the holistic review typical of selective US universities. Applicants to the college submit academic transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation as part of the general undergraduate application. Typical strong candidates for the Political Science major have taken a challenging secondary-school programme with evidence of skills in writing, critical reading and quantitative reasoning.

Once enrolled at Emory, students declare their major according to the college's procedures and must complete the department's course prerequisites and any progression requirements to graduate with the degree. Prospective students should consult Emory's admissions and political science department pages for specific guidance on application components and internal major declaration policies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Political Science and Government degree pursue a wide range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Public service and government roles at local, state and federal levels
• Policy analysis and public policy work with think tanks, non‑profits and advocacy organisations
• Law — many alumni go on to law school or legal careers
• International organisations, diplomacy and development agencies
• Political campaigning, communications and public affairs
• Journalism, research and academic careers
• Consulting and roles in the private sector that require strong analytical and writing skills

Employers value the programme's emphasis on evidence-based argument, data analysis and clear communication. Students aiming for professional or graduate training can augment the major with internships and research assistantships available through the university and in the Atlanta region.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers a political science education grounded in small seminars, close faculty mentoring and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Located in Atlanta, the university provides direct access to a dynamic metropolitan environment with government offices, NGOs, international organisations and a vibrant civic sector for internships and applied learning. The department supports undergraduate research and often places students in summer research projects, capstones and community partnerships. Emory's broader institutional resources—library collections, quantitative research support and career services—further help students prepare for graduate study and professional careers in public affairs.