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Political Science Major

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Learn diverse theoretical and methodological approaches to studying international affairs, politics and important current issues with the Bachelor of Arts in Political ScienceÌýatÌý51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s College of Liberal Arts.Ìý

Through the 123-credit undergraduate curriculum, you’llÌýinvestigate American politics at the local, state and federal levels, as well as international relations and classical and modern political thought. Debate political theory and how power and resources should be allocated in society. Learn to write effectively, build excellent research skills and critically evaluate U.S. democracy while studying the following four distinct subfields of political science.Ìý

  • American politics, which explores American elections, political institutions, public opinion and the media.
  • Comparative politics, which emphasizes political systems outside of the U.S., as well as mass political behavior across a broad range of contexts.
  • International relations, which investigates the interaction and conflict between governments around the globe.
  • Political theory, which evaluates individual behavior within a political system and brings clarity to key concepts of equality, democracy, freedom and justice.

Students in the Political Science BA program become capable, engaged and intelligent citizens through active, real-world participation in our governmental systems. Students can intern in Washington, D.C., or spend a semester participating in state politics in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania state capital. Graduates are prepared for careers in advocacy and community organizations, government agencies, social services or unions among many others. They are also prepared to pursue graduate degrees in international affairs or law. Ìý

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Political Science faculty are nationally recognized in their fields, and offer classes related to their current research and writing specialties. Some of these topics include

  • childhood and multigenerational poverty;
  • political psychology;
  • prekindergarten finance policy;
  • public assistance programs;
  • race, ethnicity and politics;
  • the politics of development aid;
  • threat perception in U.S. foreign policy; and
  • urban politics.
A College of Liberal Arts student raises her hand to ask a question in class.

Classes & Curriculum

Students explore each subfield of political science in a general sequence of study. Introductory classes include

  • Foreign Government and Politics,Ìý
  • International Politics,
  • Introduction to Political Philosophy, andÌý
  • The American Political System.

After introductory classes are completed, coursework begins focusing on research and critical thinking skills. Students take Evidence and Knowledge, two research preparation classes and three upper-level electives. Two of the three electives can be satisfied with the completion of an internship.

The BA culminates with theÌýwriting intensiveÌýCapstone Seminar course, bridging student knowledge and analysis with the development of an individual research project.

Learn more about Political Science Major courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Political Economy Undergraduate Certificate

Expand your political science education with an Undergraduate Certificate in Political Economy. You'llÌýstudyÌýhow government actions and economic conditions shape public policy and society as a whole. This certificateÌýis an excellent primer for graduate programsÌýin economics, law, political science and public policy.

4+1 Master of Public Policy

Earn a BA in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy in five years. Apply for the program during your third or fourth year of undergraduate study and begin taking graduate coursework.

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Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional DevelopmentÌýin the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Political Science Major, contact the following staff members.

Anna Hunter is the departmentÌýcoordinator.Ìý
Phone: 215-204-7796Ìý
Email:

The following staff members lead the Political Science Department.

Heath Fogg DavisÌýis the chair.
Phone: 215-204-7796
Email:Ìý

Alexandra Guisinger is the undergraduate chair.Ìý
Email:ÌýÌý

Jessica Brennan is the administrator.
Phone: 215-204-7796
Email:

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

The following student organizations may be of interest to students in the Political Science BA program.

  • The represents the opinions and interests of Political Science undergraduates and hosts personal and professional development activities, including career forums,Ìýlaw and graduate forums, lectures,Ìýseminars on popular topics,Ìýstudent and faculty mixers, andÌý​trips to New York City and Washington, D.C.Ìý
  • is the national Political Science Honor Society for students who have distinguished themselves in the field of political science.Ìý

Learn more about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø by immersing yourself in one of the Political Science BA program'sÌýunique study away opportunities.

  • The offers students a seat in the heart of Pennsylvania’s state government and an advantage in today’s competitive job market. Gain practical toolsÌýand direct contact with leaders and policymakers by exploring government affairs, policymaking and implementation in real-world experiences. Acceptance into this program helps students with internship placements.
  • The delivers valuable career experience in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Participate in an internship that prepares students for careers in politics, policy or related professions. Network with government leaders and students from around the world, choose from a diverse array of programs with , and stay on track to graduate on time.

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Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information