Politics & Public Affairs
Discover the world of politics, international affairs, and public policy.
Learn how economies, resources, and culture contribute to debate as you prepare for careers in public policy and administration, law, analysis, and more.
Heather N. Pool
,Associate Professor, Chair of Politics & Public Affairs
Jennifer Rumbaugh
,Academic Program Coordinator
What you'll study as a Politics and Public Affairs major
Critique the theory and practice of politics, international affairs, and public policy. Engage in discussion, simulation, extensive writing, and deepen your political knowledge in internships. Pursue one of three exciting concentrations that match your interests. Learn more.
Government and Legal Affairs
Study how governmental structures shape the behavior of people, institutions, and policies. Learn how public debate, legal reasoning, and political strategy influence real policy outcomes. Examine everything from federal campaigns and elections to constitutional law and civil liberties.
International Affairs
Command the analytical tools needed to explore how nations interact, cooperate, and compete on the global stage. Study the language and concepts of international relations — the causes of war and peace, the role of economics in global power dynamics, and the moral questions that shape state behavior.
Policy Analysis
Learn how governments make decisions, shaping domestic and international outcomes. Study the politics of major democratic states, examining their institutions, parties, and policy processes. Analyze U.S. foreign policy and gain insight into how the United Nations and others attempt to manage conflict.
Why is Politics and Public Affairs better at Denison?
Our program immerses you directly in the processes that shape real policy outcomes: you’ll simulate campaigns, conduct data-driven research, engage in constitutional reasoning, analyze foreign policy decisions, compare democratic systems, and practice oral advocacy through courses with substantial speaking components. Learn more.
The Grand Strategy Program
Study world events past and present, travel with faculty during off-campus programs, explore study-abroad options, and take part in internships customized to your interests. Build the teamwork and analytical skills that employers value across all fields.
Dive further into your passion
Dig in deeply to the topics that interest you most. During a semester-long seminar, you’ll explore three concentrations: international affairs, policy analysis, and government and legal affairs, and shape your course of study to suit your goals.
Experiential learning
PPA majors are required to take part in an off-campus internship that advances the coursework for your selected course of study. These might include participation in Model UN, a summer internship, or a study abroad program.
Jobs as a PPA major
Denison’s Politics and Public Affairs majors enjoy careers as analysts, legislative aides, think tank researchers, and work in organizations such as the U.S. Department of State and Booz Allen Hamilton. Many PPA majors pursue degrees in law and public policy.
Career communities
Politics and Public Affairs majors often join one or more of our career communities. Some common communities include Social Impact, Education, & Government and Financial Services, Consulting & Business.
Career Exploration
Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.
Beyond the Classroom
Internships
Take an internship (or two!) to explore careers related to Politics and Public Affairs. Denison PPA majors have interned at JPMorgan Chase, the Institute of Leadership and Public Policy, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and more.
Study Abroad
Study in your chosen region to enhance your language skills and cultural agility while building your career network. Conduct research during a semester abroad or complete a summer internship in another country.
Summer Scholars
Delve into independent research through our Summer Scholars program. All Summer Scholars receive a stipend and a housing allowance plus supplemental funds for research expenses.
What's Happening
Students, Newsletters
Denison student connects theatre and law
Recognition & Accolades
Denison repeats top performance at Model UN conference
Awards & Honors, Recognition & Accolades, Students
Denison wins big at Model UN Conference
More From Denison
Denison Seminars
Denison Seminars
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
Living at Denison
Living at Denison
Career Exploration
Career Exploration