Political Science

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  • The Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher is the spiritual center of the Merrimack College community.
    The Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher is the spiritual center of the Merrimack College community.
  • Aerial shot of the Academic Quad.
    Aerial shot of the Academic Quad.
  • Mendel Center and the Moseley Wrought Iron Arch Bridge.
    Mendel Center and the Moseley Wrought Iron Arch Bridge.
  • The Gladys Sakowich Campus Center, the heart of campus activities.
    The Gladys Sakowich Campus Center, the heart of campus activities.
  • Whether it’s winter, spring, or anything in between, Merrimack’s beautiful campus is enjoyed by all.
    Whether it’s winter, spring, or anything in between, Merrimack’s beautiful campus is enjoyed by all.

Political Science

Our Goals and Objectives

Consistent with the liberal arts tradition, the political science major at Merrimack College aims to provide students with a rich, rigorous, and wide-ranging educational experience. Our goal is to create an intellectual environment in which students can acquire knowledge of the discipline, develop their academic skills, think critically about the world around them, and prepare to become thoughtful and productive members of society.

Political science majors should be able to examine a political situation or phenomenon, understand it in an informed way, analyze it from multiple perspectives, appreciate its complexity, and connect it to theoretical paradigms and/or practical experiences and considerations. The political science curriculum is therefore designed to cumulatively integrate the following learning objectives: acquiring knowledge and skills, developing an appreciation for intellectual inquiry, and promoting active learning.

Our main office is located in Cushing Hall, Room 16.

Please direct your specific questions regarding the Political Science Department to our Department Chair, Dr. Harry Wessel.  He can be reached by dialing (978) 837-3498 or emailing harry.wessel@merrimack.edu. 

During the academic year, our administrative assistant, Barbara Sullivan, is available to answer general inquiries regarding major and minor degree requirements for the political science program and to arrange appointments with our faculty.  Barbara can be contacted by phone at (978) 837-5168 or via email: barbara.sullivan@merrimack.edu.

We look forward to speaking with you and sharing the many exciting and challenging thoughts on domestic and international politics!

Jon Ravenelle

Jon Ravenelle - Political Science and Philosophy Major
Class of 2011 Jonathan Ravenelle had a mission when he set foot on campus. The political science and philosophy double major wanted to construct the first-ever pep band at Merrimack to encourage crowd excitement at sporting events.  

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