Dr. Mary Nichols' research is concerned with issues in political philosophy. Her research on Aristotle and Plato examines the difference between tyrannical and non-tyrannical politics. Dr. Nichols has published several books and articles in this area. Students desiring a more intensive internship experience can spend a semester working on the staff of a New York state legislator in Albany. For students interested in international affairs, Fordham offers many opportunities to study abroad in order to examine the political systems of other nations first hand, or students can work in an international organization in New York City, such as the United Nations.
Students can also spend a semester in Washington, D.C., studying the American political system.
Career possibilities for political science majors are many. Although a student intending to go to law school after college may concentrate in almost any liberal arts major, the overwhelming majority of pre-law students major in political science. Some political science maj ors choose to pursue careers in government or the non-profit sector directly after graduating. For these, and other students, the public administration concentration allows students to combine political science course work with studies in economics and the business school. The public administration concentration combines the theoretical insights of traditional political science with the development of job-related skills.