Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Shaping future political leaders.

When you think of politics, what comes to mind? Elections? The President? Political parties? Politics is complex. While government is part of politics, it's not the only aspect. And, becoming a politician is not your only option. As a political science major in Mercyhurst University, you'll study political theory, comparative politics, public administration, international relations, public law and political methodology. In addition, you'll also have the option of earning a concentration in one of several subfields of the discipline including international relations, pre-law, applied politics, or environmental studies and politics. Majoring in political science can lead you to a career in law, international diplomacy, teaching, journalism, business, and many other exciting fields.

• The Department of Political Science offers programs of study that lead to Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science, Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, and Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law, and that lead to minors in Political Science, International Relations and Diplomacy, and Public Policy.
• Each spring, two dozen political science majors travel to Washington, D.C. to tour the Capitol, visit historic landmarks and museums, and speak with admissions counselors from DC-area graduate and law schools.
• Students can join Pi Sigma Alpha, a political science honor society with more than 700 chapters across the country. During election years, members have been known to organize formal political debates.
• The Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics has earned a national reputation for the skill and professionalism of our Political Science students, as they collect and analyze political data and provide unbiased assessments of public opinion.