Political Science – Social Work

The major is designed for students who are interested in assessing and addressing sociopolitical problems at the local, state, and federal level. Students will study the impact of public policy as it pertains to specific populations and institutions. In addition, students will become familiar with the development and analysis of public policy. International problems and the responsibility of the United States to these countries from both political as well as social perspectives will also be considered. The curriculum includes an emphasis on human behavior and the social environment and its relationship to public opinion, administration, interest groups, and campaign politics. Students are required to participate in an internship during their senior year in a public agency, which involves an integration of macro- and micro-level issues and activities. This major should be strongly considered by students who have a career interest in community organization, social action legislation, and policy-making. Several graduate schools, including the University of Maryland, offer simultaneous degrees in social work and law.