Politics, BA
Grapple with enduring questions about freedom, justice, equality, and democracy.
The Politics Department will challenge you to analyze political thought, political institutions, and political action. In small, Socratic, seminar-style classes, our devoted and knowledgeable faculty will guide you through vital conversations about conflict and cooperation between individuals and governments and amongst governments themselves. You’ll have the opportunity to explore all manner of political frameworks, from the politics of Vladimir Lenin to the interpersonal politics of gender in the workplace.
You will leave Saint Mary’s with a greater insight into public affairs and a wealth of conceptual, analytical, and communication skills that will be valuable in any career. Graduates of our program have gone on to be senators, prosecutors, professors, and providers of humanitarian aid.
Curriculum
Earn an Politics, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!
All Politics Courses
What can you do with a degree in Politics?
A degree in Politics prepares you with a strong foundation in skills applicable to a wide variety of professions.
(*Some careers may require graduate school or additional study).
Lawyer
Use training in argument, rights, and government to work in areas like civil rights, criminal defense, labor, immigration, or public interest law.
Journalist
Report on public affairs, elections, and policy debates for news and media, using research and interview skills to explain what’s happening and why it matters.
Policy Analyst
Study laws, budgets, and programs, assess who benefits and who is harmed, and recommend changes for governments, nonprofits, or advocacy groups.
Campaign Manager
Run the strategy for a political campaign, including messaging, outreach, fundraising, and voter targeting.
Political Consultant
Advise candidates, organizations, or advocacy groups on public messaging, communications, polling, and positioning.
Legislative Assistant
Support an elected official by tracking bills, drafting memos and statements, meeting with constituents, and preparing policy briefings.
Diplomatic / Foreign Service Officer
Represent U.S. interests abroad, analyze political conditions in other countries, and support diplomacy, security, trade, or humanitarian work.
Community / Advocacy Organizer
Coordinate campaigns around housing, immigration, labor, climate, or voting rights by building coalitions, mobilizing communities, and influencing public policy.
Student Success
Learn More About The Program
Get to know our well-respected faculty and their academic specialties. Or explore scholarship opportunities and an array of internship possibilities.
Testimonials
"The Saint Mary's Politics program taught me critical thinking and vital reading skills, as well as gave me a place to connect with likeminded professors and students. The Saint Mary's Politics program has prepared me for my Master's degree as well as provided me with experiences I could not have had anywhere else."
Joseph Amir '22
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What's Happening Now
School and Department Information
Ronald E. Ahnen, Department Chair
rahnen@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4584
Lori Erokan, Administrative Assistant
le6@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4048
