Program Overview

Together, students and faculty explore the political, policy, and constitutional challenges and opportunities that face us all. Students majoring in Politics will develop an understanding of the history of those challenges and the core arguments surrounding them, develop evidence-based approaches to resolving them, and become stronger citizens and scholars in the process. Politics at NEC makes students formidable critical thinkers, writers, speakers, and advocates on behalf of those who often cannot advocate for themselves.

To achieve this role of scholar-practitioner, students will learn by doing. Education in the classroom is preparation for applying those lessons to real-world challenges. Together, we push ourselves to develop the knowledge and the skills that empower us to make a difference.

When students walk across the graduation stage, they will be ready and well prepared to begin their next adventure as strong and well-informed citizens.

Live What You Learn

• Student-interns can work in legislative offices in Washington, DC or in Concord, New Hampshire. Students have also interned in other state capitols in the region and at the White House and the Office of the First Lady. For those who wish to pursue a law degree, students have interned with various law firms.
• Many students learn the craft of public policy and the art of politics by working with advocacy organizations, interest groups, or political party committees.
• Be part of an election campaign! Our Politics majors have staffed election campaigns and worked to get presidents, governors, senators, members of Congress, and mayors elected.
• NEC has been described as a place where the road to the White House begins. We host town-hall events for major presidential candidates. Meet the candidates. Ask them questions directly. NEC students help facilitate town halls, and a student is selected to formally introduce each candidate for president.