The Department of History and Political Science at Notre Dame de Namur University offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Political Science. The History major helps students comprehend the political, economic, social, religious, intellectual and artistic experiences of peoples all over the world and develop personal skills of research, organization, writing and analysis. The Political Science program provides an understanding of important political ideas and ideologies as well as the workings of basic political processes and institutions. The academic disciplines of the department are naturally and inevitably concerned with the university’s mission and vision and central to their emphasis on social justice and global peace. We challenge our students to understand how decisions made in the past continue to shape society and political discourse, and to appreciate their own agency in shaping a better world.

Completing a major in history and/or political science is an excellent preparation for graduate study and for careers in law, politics, journalism, business, public administration, social work, nongovernmental advocacy organizations and education. Many students have a double major in history and political Science, and the department welcomes double majors – and minors – with other disciplines. The department has also developed and hosts the interdisciplinary pre-law minor, which is designed especially for students who plan to attend law school or are interested in careers in fields closely related to the legal profession. Classes for the pre-law minor may be used to fulfill other requirements, including Core Curriculum requirements.