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Politics, Economics, and International Studies

In the Department of Politics, Economics, and International Studies, you gain real-world experience before you graduate! You’ll also benefit from learning in small class sizes, and individualized academic advising.

We offer three majors that are closely related:

Our Bachelor of Arts in Economics gives you the foundation for a wide variety of careers in governmental, nonprofit organizations, business, public administration, and foreign services, and provides an appropriate foundation for a wide variety of careers. Economics is the preferred major if you want to pursue graduate work in economics, business, public administration, or the law.

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies is an interdisciplinary major that allows you to approach global issues in their complexity, including politics, economics, language, history, communication, culture, and arts.

Our Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government exposes you to political and economic philosophies and to the consequences of specific public policies, and combines political and economic inquiries and approaches. You will focus on the historical relationship between politics and economics and how it manifests itself in today’s world.

Minors are also offered in economics, international studies, political economy, and politics and government to complement a variety of majors because the global economy and political climate affects us all.

Hands-On Experience

There are plenty of opportunities to apply the skills you acquire in the classroom. You also can collaborate with faculty on research and conduct independent studies designed to put you on the path to a successful and engaging career.

Nicolas Garcia

Politics and Government , minors in Economics and Philosophy, '27

For Nicolas, learning extends far beyond the classroom. He is building the foundation for a career in public service and policymaking through hands-on internships, faculty mentorship, and campus leadership.

A class visit from the Connecticut General Assembly internship director sparked his interest to take his political studies beyond the classroom and into the State Capitol for an internship in spring 2025. Nicolas is spending the spring 2026 semester interning in the Hartford office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) 

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Making a difference comes from bringing people together—pooling our talents and connections—and this internship is an opportunity to continue building my network while working toward meaningful change.

Student at Internship
You can complete an internship during the academic year, or during the summer or semester break.

Gain professional experience and practice what you learn in the classroom with an internship at local corporations, nonprofit organizations, or state and national government offices.

Student at the White House.
While attending American University, Myeisha Boyd '17 spent a semester as a student-volunteer at the Office of Presidential Correspondence for The Obama Administration at the White House.

Enroll in UHart’s Washington Semester at American University and take a semester’s worth of classes while interning at a government agency.

Students in Lithuania
You can spend time abroad for a semester break, summer, or during the academic year.

Take your learning international through our study-abroad opportunities in places like India, Korea, Japan, Jordan, and Kenya.

Meet Your Faculty

Jilda Aliotta
Associate Professor
Politics, Economics, and International Studies

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Michael Clancy
Chair, Politics, Economics, and International Studies; Professor
Politics, Economics, and International Studies

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Jane Horvath
Associate Professor of Economics, Founding Director van Rooy Center for Complexity and Conflict Analysis, Director BA in Economics, Director Minor in Economics, Political Economy, and Complexity
Politics, Economics, and International Studies

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Katharine A. Owens
Professor
Politics, Economics, and International Studies

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Amy Schoenecker
Associate Professor, Director of the Honors Program
Honors Program
Politics, Economics, and International Studies

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Bilal Sekou
Associate Professor of Political Science
Social Science

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Cindy A. Oppenheimer
Office Coordinator
Sociology and Criminal Justice
Politics, Economics, and International Studies
History and Philosophy

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