Fascinated by government, the power of diplomacy, or constantly changing landscape of international relations? If so, a political science summer program might be the perfect summer adventure for you. These programs, geared toward high school students, offer a glimpse into the world of political science and many also introduce participants to the college experience.
Hosted by various colleges and universities, political science summer programs feature top-notch faculty eager to share their knowledge. The programs typically include a mix of classroom learning and campus exploration. If you attend a residential summer program in Washington D.C., you may take field trips to Capitol Hill to see our government in action. Attend a program in New York and take a guided tour of the United Nations.
If you opt for a residential program, you’ll also have a chance to expand your experience with extracurricular activities like museum visits, discussions at historical landmarks, and more.
The curricula of political science summer programs dives more deeply into the inner workings of American government and politics. You’ll have a chance to dissect the U.S. Constitution, analyze the function of elections, understand the nuances of public opinion and policy formation, and more. Explore real-world examples like Social Security, foreign policy decisions, and the role of the Supreme Court. Depending on your program, you might also learn about the complexities of global development and international relations to gain a broader perspective on the political landscape.
Whether you’re considering a career in politics, like an activist, pollster, FBI/CIA analyst or agent, campaign manager, lawyer, embassy worker, foreign intelligence, Peace Corps officer, or something else, a political science summer camp might be the perfect way to get a taste of the industry.
Still looking? Check out our other curated programs below and our latest Guide to Summer Programs, too.
