Political Science

St. Lawrence University Fellows Program

Our faculty are known for the close relationships they build with every student, which often turn into faculty-mentored summer research projects. Apply for a fellowship to spend eight weeks in the North Country digging into a topic you’re passionate about with your mentor as your advisor. 

Senior Year Experience (SYE) Honors Thesis

Once you’ve discovered a topic you’re passionate about, spend your senior year investigating it as you conduct research and work one-on-one with a faculty advisor. Along the way, you’ll hone your ability to evaluate sources, synthesize original ideas, and make a convincing case for your findings—like James Lehner ‘20, who argued in favor of expanding the field of swing states in the presidential election.

Learn About Research at St. Lawrence

Meet Professor Grace Huang

Professor of Government Grace Huang combines rigorous academic inquiry with a touch of humor and relatability in her teaching. Her courses invite students to explore political systems from around the world, encouraging them to think critically about democracy, governance, and their own roles as informed citizens. 

What’s your favorite class to teach, and why? 

I love teaching Introduction to Comparative Politics. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show students how different political systems reflect distinct values and priorities. By comparing governance across countries, students gain a fresh perspective on their own system and the larger forces shaping global politics. 

What surprises students most about you? 

Students are often surprised by my sense of humor! As an Asian-American professor, I find some students come in thinking I will be quite serious. However, I can be quite ridiculous, and the students let me get away with it. For example, I once joked that a small bone protruding from my ear was the missing seventh Infinity Stone (à la The Avengers). It’s a mix of seriousness and silliness that keeps our class environment engaging. 

What’s been your proudest moment as a professor? 

Publishing my book with Harvard University Asia Center was a proud moment—it showed me that high-quality research is possible even at a teaching-intensive school like St. Lawrence. But my proudest moments come from my students: seeing their growth, their commitment to their communities, and their success as leaders and changemakers. 

Past Internships

Apply what you’ve learned in class in the real world. Our active and enthusiastic alumni network is eager to help you explore internships at a number of organizations, including: 

• The World Bank
• U.S. Embassy, London 
• Massachusetts State Senate
• Rock the Vote
• The Aspen Institute
• The Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress
• Human Rights Campaign
• Brookings Institute, African Security Initiative

Live and Learn in the Heart of the County

As the seat of St. Lawrence County, Canton is a hub of political activity. You’ll have opportunities to experience the inner-workings of local politics, volunteer for congressional campaigns, or even intern in the district attorney’s or public defenders’ offices. 

St. Lawrence Public Interest Corps (SLU PIC)

Future advocates and agents of change like you can apply to gain a better understanding of the local public interest and non-profit landscape through the Public Interest Corps. You’ll live on campus over the summer as you help to combat food insecurity, empower entrepreneurship, address public health issues, or preserve local history with organizations like:

• Cornell Cooperative Extension
• GardenShare
• Planned Parenthood of North Country, New York
• Frederick Remington Art Museum
• St. Lawrence Land Trust
• St. Lawrence County Community Development Program
• St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce

Learn About Internships

Study Abroad

Take your academic passions abroad and enrich your understanding of different national governments and international relations. Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in more than 20 international locations, including Kenya, London, China, Spain, and Jordan.

Study in Our Nation's Capital 

Spend a semester living, learning, and working in Washington D.C., where you’ll take on an internship and become a part of the city’s vibrant and fast-paced ecosystem. You’ll gain professional experience and have plenty of opportunities to connect with our helpful and enthusiastic alumni community. 

Work-Study Opportunities

Both the London Program and the Kenya Semester Program include month-long work-study placements, which can directly reflect your academic interests. You may end up working in the office of a member of parliament in the United Kingdom or for a healthcare non-profit empowering rural communities in East Africa. 

Short-Term Trips 

In addition to semester- and year-long programs, you’ll also have the chance to participate in short-term travel study trips with faculty members. That could mean spending the afternoon in Ottawa with your Canadian studies class or enrolling in a summer trip to Croatia for an on-the-ground perspective on identity in the Balkans.

Explore Our Programs

Connect with Community

Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find many that involve political science, government, advocacy, leadership, public affairs, and international relations, including: 

• The Advocates 
• Environmental Action Organization 
• SLU Legal
• Andrew Goodman Foundation
• SLU Democrats
• Literacy for Nepal
• Model United Nations
• Model Organization of American States
• The Hill News
• SLU Adaptive
• Rotaract
• PLEN: Preparing Women to Lead
• Planned Parenthood Generation Action
• Ubuntu. 
• Thelomathesian Society
• Spectrum

Learn More About Student Life a St. Lawrence 

Alumni Network 

St. Lawrence graduates are big thinkers, problem solvers, and fearless leaders at companies and organizations across the country and world. Our alumni network is the second-most influential source for recent graduate employment (only behind internships).

Explore the Power of our Alumni Network

Outcomes

Laurentians do not seem to shy away from complex challenges, and those working in public policy or advocating for change to enhance the lives of others are part of a growing community of alumni.

Learn About Success After St. Lawrence