Options for double majors include such combinations as Government plus History, Economics, English, or a foreign language. The Department of Government coordinates a program in Public Administration that combines courses in Public Policy, Public Administration, and Local Government with internships in local, state, or federal government agencies. Topics covered at A.U. include American Politics, Public Law, Justice, Journalism, International Environment and Development, International Business and Trade, Foreign Policy, Economic Policy, and Peace and Conflict Resolution. During winter term, many students choose an internship that provides practical experience to augment their theoretical knowledge of government. Every January a number of Sweet Briar students have internships in Washington, DC, in executive, congressional, and public agency offices or with interest groups.
Students also do law-related internships with judges, lawyers, and prosecutors.
Students are invited to attend PLEN seminars and workshops throughout the year in Washington and abroad. PLEN also offers a leadership training program each summer at Rutgers University. Government students have frequent opportunities to hear and meet with guest lecturers. Recent symposia held at Sweet Briar of interest to government students include the Winter Forum series on Russia, Thomas Jefferson, health care reform, and the Pacific Rim. Leading experts from business, labor, government and academe participated in these events.