Olivia Johnson ’25
Olivia worked with the International Institute of Minnesota, which supports new Americans through programs in workforce development, education, and anti-trafficking.
Analyze and engage politics around the globe
Politics shapes every part of our daily life: the rights we hold dear, the headlines we read, and the air we breathe. Some changes happen quietly. Others unfold dramatically. Studying political science at Macalester helps you understand both.
Making Sense of a Complex World
Here, you’ll connect theory to practice, tracing philosophical issues about power, justice, and freedom to practical matters like policymaking and problem-solving. You’ll learn to ask thoughtful questions, conduct imaginative research, gather convincing evidence, and communicate clearly and confidently. These skills open doors to careers in government, law, nonprofits, diplomacy, journalism, academia, and beyond.
The energy is contagious
Ask any professor why Macalester is such a great place to teach political science, and you’ll get the same answer: the students.
They’re politics nerds in the best sense — debating over lunch, lighting up in class, arriving with questions that push the conversation forward. That energy pushes faculty to teach at their best and turns every classroom into a buzzing forum.
In the heart of civic life
Macalester sits in a major metro area and a state capital—rare for liberal arts colleges. Internships at the State Capitol are down the street. So are policy jobs with Twin Cities nonprofits, grassroots organizing, and opportunities with international NGOs.
The Twin Cities have an unusual concentration of global organizations. You can engage with issues spanning local governance to international human rights without leaving the neighborhood.
Political Science in the Twin Cities
5
Miles to the Minnesota State Capitol
200+
Internship sites within 8 miles of campus
1
Minnesota’s rank in voter participation
Learn through global perspectives
Political science at Macalester tackles pressing global issues. Armed conflict. Humanitarian action. International development. Social movements.
Our courses give you tools to understand how decisions in one place ripple far beyond its borders. You’ll explore international politics, global governance, migration control, African politics, and Chinese foreign policy.
Not all political scientists want to be politicians
This major is for students who want to understand politics theoretically and scientifically—not just participate in it.
Recent grads have worked as press secretary for the Minneapolis mayor, joined Teach for America, and earned graduate degrees in public policy and law. On the international stage, alumni have worked with the United Nations Environment Programme, the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Scholar Program, and the International Rescue Committee UK.
My studies at Macalester have been crucial to becoming a better, more confident organizer. They’ve broadened my understanding of my community and helped me to see the bigger picture.Sami Banat ’24 Public and Legislative Affairs Manager, Political Science major
Chuck Green Fellowship
Put your ideas into action
The Chuck Green Fellowship pairs classroom study with a paid summer project you co-create with a Twin Cities community partner. Twelve sophomores and juniors spend spring semester in a political science seminar, then design a 10-week summer project with a community organization. You pitch it. Macalester funds it.
Past projects include youth art programs, domestic violence prevention, mental health support for queer and trans youth, and internationally-oriented work with Global Rights for Women, the International Institute of Minnesota, and World Without Genocide. Read more about recent fellowship recipients below.
Jordan Galloway ’26
Jordan partnered with Urban Roots MN, a youth development organization on Saint Paul’s east side that employs local youth in programs such as Cook Fresh, Market Garden, and Conservation.
Join a thriving community
- Connection and scholarship. Our department brings students to Washington, DC to compete in the Schumann Challenge, the European Union’s flagship competition for undergraduate students.
- Pi Sigma Alpha. Join Macalester’s chapter of this national honor society and help plan on-campus activities, including an annual student research conference.
- Mitau Lecture. This annual lecture brings distinguished speakers to discuss current political science topics.
- Alumni-senior mixer. Our extensive Twin Cities alumni network returns annually to connect with seniors, offering advice and opening doors.
Are you a future Political Science major at Macalester?
If you’re considering Mac, let us know. We’ll keep you up to date on application deadlines and visit opportunities.
