B.A. in Political Science: Law and Government

The Political Science program at Russell Sage College is a liberal arts program with its primary focus on law and government. The College's location, resources, and faculty provide an ideal opportunity to learn firsthand about law and government through internships and other practical experiences that prepare the student for law school, graduate school in public administration, or public policy and a career in government and law.

Students confer during mock legislative hearing in a Public Policy class

Located at a college for women, the Political Science program is well-suited for an exploration of the special relationships of women to law and government - as leaders and policymakers. Sage's program is dynamic and flexible. This enables the student to keep pace with current public policy and legal issues. At the same time required coursework ensures a solid foundation in political science theory, methods, and application.

Political Science majors are often involved in the Pre-Law program at Sage. The emphasis on reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and writing in the Political Science major provides excellent preparation for law school. Students in other programs are encouraged to minor in Political Science.

All majors in Political Science must complete an internship, which the program arranges on the basis of individual student needs and interests. Many students take more than one three-credit internship. Some do a full-time one-semester internship for 12 credits. Typical internship sites include state and federal courts, the New York State Legislature, state agencies, local government bodies, law firms, advocacy groups, and other political organizations. The internship is an integrating experience in which students observe and employ applications of classroom learning. For Sage political scientists, the internship is the bridge between college and career.

Minor in Political Science

Students in all majors choose to minor in Political Science for a variety of reasons. Some are interested in working in government or in graduate studies in law or public policy. Others realize that their selected field of interest -- teaching, science, medicine, business, or anything else-- is touched in some way by government, law, politics and public policy. The minor offers an opportunity for students to supplement their major by the addition of a series of courses that will enrich their understanding of these areas.

Legal Studies Certificate

In tandem with the BA in Political Science, students can pursue a Legal Studies Certificate offered at the Sage College of Albany. This is good preparation for a career in a law-connected field. The program is described in the SCA catalog. Students pursuing the legal studies certificate should be aware that any BA degree requires 90 credits in liberal arts and sciences courses. Most courses required in the Legal Studies Certificate program are professional, rather than liberal arts, courses.