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Political Science, Philosophy and Geography

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The Department of Political Science, Philosophy and Geography offers majors in political science and philosophy, and minors in political science, philosophy, geography, pre-law, an peace and human rights. Majors in this department pursue careers in:

  • Government
  • Public administration
  • Law
  • Public service
  • Business
  • Education

 

Students in the Political Science major and Political Science minor often link their studies to disciplines such as Communication Studies, Economics, Business, Public Administration or Computer Science to create double majors or major/minor combinations.

Students in the Philosophy major master skills vital to any student: Critical Thinking, Complex Reasoning, Persuasion, Self-Awareness, and more. Those skills, while valuable on their own, compliment interests in Law, Education, Psychology, Business, Biology, and Computer Science especially well.

The Geography minor offers an opportunity to learn more about physical habitats - rural and urban - and how geographical factors influence social and economic systems. The Philosophy minor and Peace and Human Rights minor explore fundamental issues related to the human condition and the study of social, political and religious thought. The Pre-law minor prepares students for entrance into law school.

Chair:
Martín Mendoza-Botelho
Webb Hall, Room 325
(860) 465-5257
(860) 465-0650
mendozabotelhom@easternct.edu		 Secretary II
Alicia Chandler
Webb Hall, Rm. 326
(860) 465-4594
(860) 465-0650
chandlera@easternct.edu
student in Indonesia having tea with friends

Faculty Spotlights

Martin Mendoza-Botelho

Professor - Political Science and Department Chair

“Our students are very motivated. I enjoy seeing them progress during their time at Eastern. Whether it’s local politics, the environment, or national politics, they move from simpler understanding to a more complex perspective. Their thinking becomes more sophisticated and balanced.” Read More

Martin Mendoza-Botelho

In the News

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Eastern alumna excels as appellate public defender

 March 24, 2025

An alumna of the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, and Geography at Eastern Connecticut State University recently passed the Connecticut Bar Exam and now works as an appellate attorney. Ruth Burke ‘20 currently serves in the Legal Services Appellate Unit of the Connecticut Public Defender’s Office.

DeVivo (left) and Johnson

Local politicians visit Eastern for environmental panel discussion

 March 05, 2025

Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo and Connecticut State Rep. Susan Johnson visited Eastern Connecticut State University for a panel discussion on March 4 in the Fine Arts Instructional Center Proscenium Theater. The discussion centered on climate change and environmental preservation.

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Rukgaber's new book reimagines bygone philosophical movement

 February 28, 2025

Philosophy Professor Matthew Rukgaber of Eastern Connecticut State University recently published a book examining an early 20th-century philosophical movement that blended with science to analyze aspects of humanity. “The Human as the Other” was published Jan. 23 through Bloomsbury Publishing.

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Programs of Study

  • Eastern’s Political Science major combines a core of political science courses with an internship or study abroad requirement to provide professional and analytical skills. Students gain an understanding of domestic and international political processes through classroom discussion; guest speakers and special events; political debates; and a review of current political issues. The major includes a track for students seeking certification to teach high school social studies. A Political Science minor is also available to other majors.

    View Major Details

    View Minor Details

  • The Philosophy major at Eastern incorporates interdisciplinarity, diversity, and versatility. It provides opportunities for the development of creative, responsible, critical and caring thinking through the study of Western and non-Western philosophical traditions. Students explore the interconnections between philosophy and other disciplines and learn to apply philosophical methodologies to complex problems of personal and social relevance. This program is ideal for students interested in law, public policy and journalism, and connects well with students majoring in Political Science, Psychology, Business, Communication, and Education.

    View Major Details

    View Minor Details

  • The Geography minor familiarizes students with the globe and spatial distributions of phenomena ranging from capital to technology and disease. Students learn about physical habitats - rural and urban - and how geographical factors influence social and economic systems.

    View Minor Details

  • The Peace and Human Rights minor explores fundamental issues related to the human condition and the study of social, political and religious thought. Students are encouraged to think critically and to broadly explore contemporary issues related to peace and human rights.

    View Minor Details

  • The Pre-Law minor prepares students for the Law School Admissions Test and strengthens their skills in areas needed for success in law school, including critical thinking, logical reasoning and effective writing. Students receive a background in the nature, workings and justification of the law.

    View Minor Details

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