1. Major institutions (e.g., legislatures, executives, judiciaries, bureaucracies) and processes (e.g., voting, policy-making) of American governments and of diverse national political systems.
2. The main theories used to understand the global arena as well as the impact of globalization on global and national politics.
3. The structure and functions of political theorizing as well as an overview of its history.
4. Important processes and agencies within public organizations and the ethical dimensions of public service.
5. Students develop strong communication skills (reading, writing, listening) as well as analytical and critical skills, which enable them to dissect and solve complex problems effectively.
6. Students develop the capacity to conduct independent research (identify and develop a research question, design research strategies based on the application of quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, access and interpret information from print and electronic sources, write and present a critical and analytical argument).
7. Students are strongly encouraged to develop an understanding of the world of work by completing an internship or by participating in an off-campus program that involves contact with governments or non-governmental organizations engaged in the public policy process.

Upon completing the Global Studies major students should:

1. View global challenges from a perspective that integrates political, historical, economic, cultural and normative perspectives.
2. Be able to articulate the primary theoretical frameworks used to understand the global arena.
3. Understand the role of important state and non-state actors (international and non-governmental groups and organizations) in the global arena.
4. Demonstrate strong communications skills (reading, writing and listening) as well as analytical and critical skills that enable them to dissect and solve complex problems effectively.
5. Demonstrate the capacity to conduct independent research (identify and develop a research question, design research strategies based on the application of quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, access and interpret information from print and electronic sources, write and present a critical and analytical argument).

The politics major provides a well-rounded knowledge of politics as a field of study while allowing students the flexibility to pursue areas of special interest to them. Students majoring in politics have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of courses, including Introduction to American Politics, Political Theory, Public Policy, Public Administration, Congress and the Presidency, Politics and Culture, and Constitutional Law.

International Relations (I.R.) is an interdisciplinary major that provides students with theoretical and empirical understanding of global political and economic problems. A sampling of courses offered in the I.R. major includes Politics of the World’s Nations, Contemporary Global Politics, Politics of Developed Nations, Politics of Developing Nations, and Commerce and Politics in a Global Environment.

Internationalization is central to Carroll University’s mission. Students majoring in politics or I.R. are encouraged to study abroad for a semester, or an entire year, in countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Mexico and the UK. Students also may study during the summer through one of two United Nations programs in which we participate. In addition, students may gain international experience by participating with other Carroll students and faculty members in a Carroll-sponsored New Cultural Experience Program (NCEP). NCEP offerings include international cultural experiences in South Africa, Russia and Central Asia, Belize, England, France and China. Students pursuing an I.R. major also are strongly encouraged to become fluent in a modern foreign language.

Politics and I.R. students should consider completing an internship that would allow them the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience. The program offers a wide range of internship opportunities, including participating in political campaigns; in legislators’ offices; in law firms; in local, state or federal agencies; or in a variety of non-profit organizations such as the International Institute of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin World Trade Center, and the America Red Cross. Students also may obtain valuable internships in our nation's capital through the Washington Center for Internships.

Whether you are a current student majoring in politics or I.R., or a prospective student considering either field of study, the remainder of this site provides various resources to met your academic and career needs. You also may contact any one of the program’s full-time faculty members with questions about the Politics and Global Studies Program.