The object is to place students in the midst of controversy over the great issues of politics and to equip them to deal rationally and prudently with these issues. Students in Government will find courses in American government and politics, business and public management, comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, and public law taught by an accomplished faculty of teacher-scholars.

The study of Government plays a crucial role in the mission of the College, which is to educate students for “thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in economics, government and public affairs.” Consequently, Government and International Relations majors make up fully one-third of each graduating class, and the Government Department employs as many professors as the political science department at Vanderbilt University.

Government Major Catalog

The major is selected by students preparing for careers in law; local, state and national government; foreign service; business; government relations; and other areas of the private and public sectors in which a broad knowledge of the problems of modern society is appropriate. Advice on specific careers is available through the department chair.

Related Programs

• International Relations

  The International Relations program is an interdisciplinary program designed for students preparing for graduate work or careers with an international focus.Learn more

• Washington Program

  Established in 1972, the Washington Program is the only semester-length program outside of Claremont administered by CMC. Participants in the program work full-time as interns in the Washington, D.C. area; in addition to the internship, students enroll in two courses taught by CMC faculty, and complete a research paper under faculty supervision, for a total of four CMC course credits.Learn more