Political Science: BA

Program Overview

Political science at AUC is taught as a humanistic discipline with the overall objectives of fostering understanding of the contemporary world and developing knowledge about, and an appreciation of, the complex mechanisms, authoritative structures, and the allocation of values that characterize contemporary human communities. The program provides students with a thorough grounding in the theoretical underpinnings of political phenomena, as well as a deep understanding of the political realities in Egypt, the Arab world, and the international arena

Upon completion of certain prerequisites, students may declare Political Science as their major program of study. To achieve a major in Political Science, all students are required to complete 45CP in political science courses. While majoring in Political Science, students may opt for specializations in a number of available areas, including International Relations, Political Economy, Middle East Politics, and Public and International Law. Most specialization can be completed as part of the 45CP requirement for a Major, except in International Relations which requires an additional course, or a total of 48CP. Students with a Major in Political Science also have the opportunity to enroll in a dual degree program and qualify for an MA degree in International Human Rights Law, alongside their BA in political science.

Major specializations (for students seeking a Bachelor of Arts in political science):

• General Political Science 
• International Relations
• Political Economy
• Middle East Politics
• Public and International law
• Dual degree in Political Science (BA) and International Human Rights Law (MA)

Associate Professor, Nadine Sika '97, '00, gives a short brief about AUC’s political science undergraduate program

Students of the Program

This program is suitable for students who are interested in the following: 

• Understanding Egyptian, Middle Eastern, and international politics
• Independence of thought
• Creativity in solving problems
• Continuing self-development

Practical Experience

Many opportunities are available for students to gain hands-on experience, including student organizations like the Cairo International Model United Nations (CIMUN) and Cairo International Model Arab League (CIMAL).

Career Paths

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers in the following fields:

• Public, private, and development agencies
• Diplomatic service
• Governmental ministries and agencies
• Education

Faculty Spotlight

Rabab El Mahdi ’96, ’98 holds a PhD from McGill University and is an associate professor of political science at AUC. Before joining AUC, she worked for several developmental organizations, including NGOs and UN agencies. Previously, she taught at Yale University and was a recipient of a number of fellowships at Columbia University, the University of Chicago, and the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency Program.