Integrating Experience and the Discipline
A Wheaton Political Science major prepares you for a number of different careers. Graduates are pursuing a broad range of careers, including lawyers in public interest, family, labor, corporate, and real estate law; judges in state and federal courts; holders of public office at the local (school board) and state level (Governor of New Jersey); policy analysts working in state and national government as well as for the democratic and republican parties; political consultants for state and national candidates; campaign coordinators and advance people in major campaigns; legislative and administrative aides to members of the U.S. House and Senate; foreign and defense policy specialists working for defense industries; the State Department and public and private sector firms; market and transportation specialists for national and international corporations; international bankers; television and print media journalists; college professors and teachers in schools.
The department of Political Science is committed to the integration of coursework with practical experience. We encourage our students to participate in a variety of activities outside the classroom that foster the development of experiential learning relevant to the discipline of political science. In addition, students are encouraged to study abroad and to take advantage of the Washington Semester. The lists below outline some of the experiences of our recent students. Many of the internships, which are offered in conjunction with the Filene Center for Work & Learning, provide academic credit.
INTERNSHIPS
- Executive Office of the Governor
- The Academy for Advanced and Strategic Studies
- U.S. Senate and Congress
- United Nations
- Democratic and Republican Parties
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc.
- The White House
- State Government Internship Programs
- The Center for Policy Alternatives
- Amnesty International
- Senate Committees
- American Enterprise Institute
- Public Defender Service for D.C.
- Mayor's Office
- Heritage Foundation
- Brookings Institution
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- Democratic Club
- Amnesty International
- Republican Club
- Progressive Alliance
- Wheaton Wire
- College Hearing Board
- WCCS News and Public Affairs
- International Relations House
- Student Government Association
- Environmental Groups
OPPORTUNITIES ABROAD FOR STUDY AND INTERNSHIPS PRESHCO
- University of Cordoba, Spain
- Boston University Global Internships in Paris, London, Moscow, Haifa, & Sydney
- Institute of Asian Studies programs in Singapore, Australia, and Thailand
- Wheaton Field of Study Program, Development Study Center, Rehovot, Israel
- Council on International Educational Exchange programs in Eastern Europe & Africa
- Butler University and Beaver College operate programs at universities in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
- The Washington Center
- Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders
- National Coalition for the Homeless
- State and National Bar Associations
- People for the American Way
- The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights
- Human Rights Agencies
- Public Citizen Watch Groups
Did you know? Many of the experiences outlined could also qualify as entries on your "Second Transcript," Wheaton's Work & Public Service Record. For more information about the "Second Transcript," and the many learning and career opportunities in Political Science, please contact Kay Kimball Gruder, The Filene Center for Work & Learning, Wheaton College, Norton, MA, 508-286-8211.