Government & Politics Department
Studying Government and Politics
The study of politics is valuable in several different ways.
First, citizens should understand the nature of the democratic system, even if they have no professional interest in political science.
Second, there are some careers for which training in the study of politics is useful. This is true especially for those hoping to seek careers in higher education, the legal profession, state and local government, urban planning, the federal civil service, journalism, lobbying groups, or the proliferating organizations that monitor political processes and policies.
Lastly, majoring in Government and Politics will help any student develop reasoning and analytical skills and build competence in oral and written expression.
These skills and aptitudes will be useful to students no matter what their ultimate career choices may be. Particularly when it is increasingly common that people change jobs several different times during their lives, the ability to think, read, and write become the indispensable foundation for adapting to change in the world of work.
Meet the Inaugural Presidential Fellows Who Were Government & Politics Majors
Annabeth A. Hinman '20
Annabeth Hinman from Rochester, New York graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Government & Politics and Philosophy and a minor in Gender Studies. During her time as a student, she was a member of the nationally recognized all-female a capella group Vocal Synergy and a member of service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. She was inaugurated into multiple academic honor societies and was awarded the Phyllis Andors Award, Socrates Prize, and Political Science Award. She is so honored to be given a place in the inaugural cohort of Presidential Fellows at Wagner College.
Nicolas Velez '20
Nicolas Velez grew up on Staten Island. He earned his bachelor's degree in International Affairs with a concentration in Politics from Wagner in 2020. As a student, Nicolas was on the Dean's List every semester and won the International Affairs award in two consecutive years. As an athlete, he ran for Wagner's cross country and track & field team, and greatly contributed to Wagner's winning a championship title in both cross country and indoor track for the first time in the college's history. He is also extremely interested in foreign cultures and can speak Spanish as well as Japanese. Nicolas enjoys practicing the violin.
Holly I. Alexander '20
Holly Alexander was raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She moved to Florida for college, where she took the opportunity to study abroad in the Czech Republic before transferring to Wagner. Holly earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Government & Politics, graduating magna cum laude. While a student, Holly served as the president of Alpha Omicron Pi, vice president of the Pre-Law Society, a community leader, and Carey Institute for Government Reform administrative assistant. She is passionate about social justice and international diplomacy. Holly is excited to be back on campus as a part of the inaugural cohort of Presidential Fellows.
Liz Arvanitis '20
Liz Arvanitis grew up in Forked River, New Jersey. She earned her bachelor's degree in Public Administration, with a concentration in Urban Policy, and a minor in City Studies. At Wagner, Liz was actively involved with the Residential Education office, where she worked as a head resident assistant and was named RA of the Year. Liz served as an Alpha Phi Omega executive member and a proud OUTWagner student adviser. Passionate about environmentalism, Liz studied abroad in Germany, where she enrolled in a comprehensive sustainability program.
Read more about the Presidential Fellowship here.
