Government Major
The Major in Government provides students with a broad knowledge of political science, or the cultural issues and social structures that determine how and why power is distributed, decisions are made, and policies are implemented.
Government at a Glance
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Duration
Full Time
Number of Credits
32
Format
On Campus
Why Major in Government?
Government majors at Wesleyan learn to answer the timeless political question: “Who gets what, when, and how?” Alongside studying political systems and theories, you’ll sharpen critical thinking, writing, and communication skills that are valuable across careers and graduate study.
Students are typically drawn to the major through a fascination with the dynamics of power, authority, and governance at local, national, and international levels. Many have a strong interest in current events and global affairs, or bring a passion for social issues, public service, and activism.
Graduates pursue diverse fields, including law, public service, government relations, diplomacy, education, research, business, non-profit organizations, journalism, and political consulting. Many also continue to graduate school, including PhD programs—especially those who complete a senior honors thesis.
Concentrations
As a Government major at Wesleyan, you’ll develop expertise in a particular subfield of political science by choosing one of four concentrations. A concentration is a set of courses in a subfield that allows you to build depth while connecting across the discipline.
American politics specialists study how people in the United States govern themselves within a constitutional democracy. This concentration explores national institutions (Congress, the presidency, the courts, the executive branch), political mobilization (parties, elections, interest groups, movements), state and local politics, public law (constitutional law, civil rights, civil liberties), and public policy. Courses provide contemporary, historical, and comparative perspectives on the U.S. political system.
Comparative politics analyzes political systems, institutions, cultures, and economies across nations. Students examine how cultural, social, economic, and historical factors shape politics, often focusing on regions such as East Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe. While primarily centered on domestic politics outside the United States, the field also considers how global and regional forces affect national outcomes.
International relations specialists study how nations interact and the structures that shape global order. Major areas of focus include international political economy, international security, and international law and organizations. Topics range from trade and globalization to war and peace, nuclear proliferation, diplomacy, human migration, environmental challenges, and the role of international institutions.
Political theory examines the ethical and conceptual foundations of politics. Students engage with thinkers from ancient Greece and Rome through contemporary debates, exploring authority, justice, power, freedom, and human potential. The concentration emphasizes three historical sequences—classical, modern, and contemporary—while encouraging broad connections across traditions and current political questions.
Major Map
Students start with a broad introduction to the study of politics and build both breadth across the field and depth in one concentration. Along the way, they engage in experiential learning and independent research through opportunities such as study abroad, tutorials, and a senior seminar or honors thesis.
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Begin exploring the field of Government with an introductory course such as American Government and Politics (GOVT 151), International Politics (GOVT 155), Comparative Politics (GOVT 157), or Political Theory (GOVT 159). Note: you only need one GOVT course by the end of sophomore year to enter the major, and only one introductory course can count toward the major.
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Balance your schedule with GenEd courses to build a strong foundation across the curriculum.
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Add an elective that piques your curiosity or complements your interest in politics.
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If you haven’t yet taken your introductory GOVT course, this is a good semester to do so.
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Continue building a foundation through GenEd courses across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
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Explore electives that expand your writing, language, or data skills.
- If you’ve already completed your introductory GOVT course, you may choose to take your first upper-level (200-level or above) course in the subfield that interests you most.
- If you haven’t yet taken your introductory course, be sure to enroll this year.
- Continue GenEd progress and consider complementary courses in history, economics, psychology, or language study.
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Build on your interests with another GOVT course, whether that’s an upper-level course or a second introductory in another area (only one intro counts toward the major).
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Declare the Government major and select your concentration.
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Keep exploring electives that strengthen your skills (e.g., Applied Data Analysis, writing-intensive courses, or languages).
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Consider summer opportunities such as internships, research assistantships, or civic engagement programs.
- Take at least one upper-level course in your chosen concentration
- Consider taking a data methods course
- Add another upper-level course outside your concentration to work toward the breadth requirement (courses in three of the four subfields)
- This is a great time to consider study abroad, especially if you want to connect political study with language or regional expertise — just remember that at least five upper-level GOVT courses must be completed at Wesleyan
- Continue building depth with an advanced course in your concentration
- Add a breadth course in a third concentration area
- Consider taking a data methods course
- If abroad, make sure to plan with your advisor so credits transfer smoothly and requirements stay on track
- Begin discussing potential capstone seminars or an honors thesis with faculty
- Take an upper 300-level GOVT seminar in your concentration, or begin Thesis Tutorial I if pursuing honors
- Round out your coursework with electives that support your academic and career goals (data methods, history, languages, etc.)
- Make sure you are on pace to complete the nine GOVT credits required for the major
- Consider taking a capstone with a 300-level seminar or Thesis Tutorial II
- Push yourself with an upper-division course in your concentration with a research component
- Take any final upper-level GOVT courses needed to finish your concentration and breadth requirements
- Ensure you have completed at least nine GOVT credits, including eight at the 200-level or higher
- Have fun, be curious, and expand your horizons
Opportunities and Research
Research
Government majors are encouraged to pursue original research that deepens classroom learning. Students often engage in faculty-led projects, individual tutorials, or independent studies that allow them to explore political ideas, institutions, and movements in depth. Many upper-level seminars require significant research papers, offering preparation for thesis or capstone work.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad provides a chance to apply political science in global contexts. Government majors may count up to two courses from an approved semester program (or three for a full year) toward the major, with faculty approval. Students often use this opportunity to explore comparative politics or international relations in real-world settings.
Capstone and Honors
Majors have the option to complete a senior capstone, which can take the form of a substantial research paper in an advanced seminar, a one-semester tutorial, or a full-year honors thesis. The honors program provides close mentorship with a faculty member and culminates in a thesis of original scholarship. Capstone and honors work allows students to bring together their coursework, research interests, and intellectual passions in a culminating experience.
Career Outcomes for Government Majors
A Government degree from Wesleyan opens doors to careers in a wide range of fields, including:
Public Service and Policy – government agencies, public administration, advocacy, NGOs
Law and Legal Fields – law school, public interest law, corporate law, constitutional rights
International Work – diplomacy, global organizations, international development
Education and Research – teaching, academia, policy research, think tanks
Media and Communications – journalism, political consulting, strategic communications, fundraising
Business and Nonprofits – corporate sector, management, non-profit leadership, community organizing
Many majors also pursue graduate and professional study, including law school, master’s programs in public policy, and PhDs in political science.
Ready to Declare?
Government follows the University’s standard major declaration process. All requirements apply regardless of class year, so every student follows the same steps outlined below.
Eligibility
To declare the major, you must have completed at least one GOVT course with a grade of B- or better.
How to Declare
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Visit the Major Declaration page on the Office of Student Affairs site for current deadlines and regulations.
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Submit an electronic major declaration through your student portfolio.
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Email your materials. Send to Susan Lundgren-Regan:
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Your Government Major Application Form (completed electronically)
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A PDF of your academic history (download from your portfolio)
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What Happens Next
The department will review your materials and confirm your eligibility. If admitted, you will be assigned a faculty advisor, added to the department mailing list, and your student file will be created.
Government for Non-Majors
You don’t have to be a Government major to take Government courses. First-year students and sophomores can enroll in introductory classes across the four concentrations, and occasionally in First Year Seminars. They may also register for survey courses (though majors receive priority) and for Applied Data Analysis (GOVT 201), offered by the Quantitative Analysis Center, which counts toward the major.
