BA in Political Science
Selinsgrove, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
USD 54,440 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* November 1 — Early Action 1. November 15 — Early Decision. December 1 — Early Action 2. February 1 — Regular Decision admission application deadline; late applications welcome as space permits. March 1 — International Students
** tuition 2022-23
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Political science affects us all
In our program, you’ll study politics, government, and public policy in the U.S. and abroad and why nations do — or do not — get along.
You’ll acquire the tools to question, analyze systems and institutions, and develop your own views about the best policies, programs, and organizational rules for the world you envision.
Debates, simulations, trips to important political sites, and engaged classroom conversation will encourage you to think more deeply about the political issues of the day.
Real-world opportunities right away
In your first year, you have the opportunity to make connections with political science alumni through on-campus visits, shadowing experiences, and off-campus trips. Dozens of internship opportunities are shared with students every year, and we’ll help you determine what makes the most sense for you.
Our proximity to Harrisburg — the state capital — and our many alumni working there provide plentiful internship and networking opportunities. With Washington, D.C., and New York located three hours away, our students also pursue internships with national and international agencies.
Minor options
Adding one of our interdisciplinary minors, like international studies and public policy, helps you gain a better understanding of important topics in today’s world.
Gallery
Curriculum
Requirements for Major
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s) and the Academic Planning Tool.
Requirements for the Major in Political Science
Majors take 44 semester hours in political science, all with grades of C- or better and at least a 2.00 political science GPA. Twenty semester hours of electives are selected with faculty adviser guidance (these may include two hours of internship credit); 16 of these semester hours must be at the 300 level or higher.
- 4 POLI-111 American Government and Politics
- 4 POLI-121 Comparative Government and Politics
- 4 POLI-131 International Relations
- 4 POLI-205 Research Methods
- 4 POLI-305 Advanced Research Methods
- 4 POLI-501 Senior Seminar
- 20 hours of electives selected with faculty adviser guidance (may include two hours of internship credit); 16 of these semester hours must be at the 300 level or higher.
The department also recommends additional courses in other areas, depending on career goals. Frequent choices include business, communications, economics, earth, and environmental sciences, modern language, history, and sociology.
Secondary Teaching Certification
Coursework required by the state of Pennsylvania for admission to the teacher certification program includes successful completion of ENGL-100 Writing and Thinking or equivalent course, at least 3 semester hours in British or American literature, at least 6 semester hours of mathematics coursework (or other courses which satisfy the Central Curriculum Analytical Thought requirement), and at least one 40-hour externship.
Education course requirements for secondary education are EDUC-101 Introduction to Education and Society, EDUC-250 Educational Psychology, EDUC-260 Introduction to Special Education, EDUC-270 Instruction of Exceptional Students, EDUC-330 Technology in Education, EDUC-350 English Language Learners: Theory and Instruction, EDUC-380 Instructional Design, EDUC-479 Principles of Learning and Teaching in Secondary Education, EDUC-483 Differentiated Instruction and Classroom Management in Secondary Education, and the EDUC-500 Student Teaching package (EDUC-501, EDUC-502, EDUC-503, and EDUC-600).
Political science secondary education students complete the regular political science major with one change in the requirements: rather than taking 24 semester hours of departmental electives, secondary education students take 20 semester hours of departmental electives. In addition to taking the courses listed above, secondary education political science students must complete certification in either social studies or citizenship. The requirements for certification in social studies are EDUC-425 Methods of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment in Teaching Social Studies, SOCI-101 Principles of Sociology, ANTH-162 Introduction to Anthropology, ECON-105 Elements of Economics, PSYC-101 Principles of Psychology, HIST-322 Pennsylvania History or HIST-324 Pennsylvania’s Pasts and Their Publics, 1 course in U. S. history (HIST-111, HIST-112 or HIST-115), 1 course in European history (HIST-131 or HIST-132), and 1 course in non-Western history (HIST-151, HIST-152, HIST-171, HIST-172, HIST-180, or HIST-181). The requirements for certification in citizenship are EDUC-427 Methods of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Teaching Citizenship, ANTH-162 Introduction to Anthropology, ECON-105 Elements of Economics, HIST-322 Pennsylvania History or HIST-324 Pennsylvania’s Pasts and Their Publics, 1 course in U. S. history (HIST-111, HIST-112 or HIST-115), 1 course in European history (HIST-131 or HIST-132), and 1 course in non- Western history (HIST-151, HIST-152, HIST-171, HIST-172, HIST-180, or HIST-181).
Interdisciplinary Options
Political science majors can easily complete a minor in other departments. Others opt to take a second major. Many choose a related field, such as a modern language, economics, sociology or business. A legal studies minor is a popular choice for those considering a career in the law. International studies, also an interdisciplinary program, is another common option as a minor or second major.
Honors
The departmental honors program encourages and commends outstanding academic work in political science. To graduate with departmental honors, political science majors must do the following:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the department and 3.25 overall,
- Request admission to the program at the beginning of their senior seminar, and
- Complete and publicly present and defend an honors-quality project in their senior year
Pi Sigma Alpha
Students who satisfy membership requirements may be invited to join the campus chapter of this national honor society in political science.
Requirements for Minor
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s) and the Academic Planning Tool.
Minor in Political Science
A political science minor complements many other majors. The minor requires 24 semester hours with grades of C- or better and at least a 2.00 GPA in the minor. Required courses include POLI-111, POLI-121, and POLI-131. At least 4 of the 24 semester hours must be at the 300-level or above.
Courses Options
- POLI 111 American Government & Politics, Credits: 4
- POLI 121 Comparative Government and Politics, Credits: 4
- POLI 131 International Relations, Credits: 4
- POLI 202 Topics in Government and Politics, Credits: 1–4
- POLI 205 Research Methods, Credits: 4
- POLI 212 Introduction to Public Policy, Credits: 4
- POLI 215 Law and Politics, Credits: 4
- POLI 224 Government and Politics of Europe, Credits: 4
- POLI 226 Soviet and Russian Politics, Credits: 4
- POLI 300 Seminar, Credits: 1–4
- POLI 305 Advanced Research Methods, Credits: 4
- POLI 310 Public Opinion & Political Psy, Credits: 4
- POLI 312 Elections and Voting Behavior, Credits: 4
- POLI 314 Diversity in American Politics, Credits: 4
- POLI 316 The American Presidency, Credits: 4
- POLI 317 The U. S. Congress, Credits: 4
- POLI 320 African Politics, Credits: 4
- POLI 321 European Union, Credits: 4
- POLI 324 Issues in Comparative Politics, Credits: 4
- POLI 331 American Foreign Policy, Credits: 4
- POLI 333 Development, Globalization, and Society, Credits: 4
- POLI 334 International Organizations and Law, Credits: 4
- POLI 335 War and Politics, Credits: 4
- POLI 336 Rise of China & World Politics, Credits: 4
- POLI 338 International Political Economy, Credits: 4
- POLI 348 Issues in Democracy, Credits: 4
- POLI 411 Constitutional Law, Credits: 4
- POLI 412 Civil Liberties, Credits: 4
- POLI 501 Senior Seminar, Credits: 4
- POLI 502 Directed Reading, Credits: 1–4
- POLI 503 Independent Research, Credits: 1–4
- POLI 504 Independent Study, Credits: 1–4
- POLI 505 Internship in Government and Politics, Credits: 1–4
Program Outcome
Learning goals
Students in Political Science are expected to graduate with an understanding of the major theories and debates in American, International, and Comparative politics and with the ability to compare and assess those theories critically. To do so, students will strengthen their understanding of major facts and concepts underlying each of the three fields. Students will recognize the diversity of populations and societies within the United States and globally, as well as the political, social, and economic effects of different categories of diversity. Students will develop competency in conducting scholarly research, including the ability to critically read scholarly work and to perform their own research utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Career Opportunities
Prepare for a variety of careers
A political science degree gives you the skills to follow many paths.
Some of our majors continue their political interests through public service. Recent graduates work for the New York City Office of Management and Budget, Maine House of Representatives, Boston City Council campaign, PA House of Representatives, PA Senate, PA Governor’s Office, New Jersey Assembly, and the Snyder County PA Commissioner.
Others work for non-profit corporations in education, human services, and health care as lobbyists, data analysts, professors, grant writers, and more. Graduates also pursue jobs in insurance, finance, publishing, and human resources.
Our students are also ready to attend law school or pursue graduate degrees in public policy, public administration, or doctorates in political science.
Graduate Schools Attended
- American University (Masters in Economics)
- Boston University School of Medicine (Masters in Emergency Health Care Management)
- George Mason University (Masters in International Commerce and Policy)
- George Washington University (MA – Security Studies)
- Lebanon Valley College (MBA)
- Lehigh University (Masters in Economics)
- Lehigh University (Masters in Political Science)
- New York University (MPA)
- Northeastern University (Masters in Applied Educational Psychology)
- Penn State University (MPA)
- Shippensburg University (MPA)
- University of Denver (MA in International Studies)
- University of Houston (Doctorate – Political Science)
- UMBC (Master of Public Health Policy, Health Policy Analysis)
- University of South Carolina (Masters in Social Work)
- Villanova University (MPA)
Law Schools Attended
- Boston College Law
- Catholic Law School
- Dickinson Law School
- Drexel Law School
- Fordham Law
- New York Law School
- Penn State Law
- Quinnipiac University Law School
- Rutgers Law School
- St. Louis University Law School
- University of Baltimore Law School
- University of Pittsburgh Law
- University of New Hampshire Law
- Villanova Law
- Washington and Lee University School of Law
- Widener Law – Delaware
- Widener Law - Harrisburg
Employers - Position
- 2U – Healthcare Inbound Marketing Coordinator
- Amazon – Inventory Control/Quality Assurance
- American College of Emergency Physicians – Reimbursement Manager
- Army National Guard – First Lieutenant
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Emergency Project Manager
- Business Insider – Producer
- Candidate for Office, Boston City Council – Campaign Manager
- Chipotle Mexican Grill – Business Analyst
- Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen, and Hamilton – Human Resources Assistant
- Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives – Government Relations
- Communities in Schools National Office – Director of Constituent Engagement
- Consumer Technology Association – Senior Director of Government Affairs
- Deutsche Bank – Asst VP in Credit Risk Management
- DNB First – Executive Administrative Assistant
- Downington High School West – Learning Support Teacher
- Einstein Healthcare Management – Patient Service Representative
- Gettysburg University – Director of Foundation, Government, and Faculty Grants
- Harvard University – Faculty Administrator
- Independence Blue Cross – Director of Government Affairs
- Isaacson Miller (search firm) – Senior Associate
- KTMG – Senior Associate, Transfer Pricing
- Leslie J. Garfield and Company – Real Estate Adviser
- Maine House of Representatives – Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House
- Mathematica Policy Research – Policy Analyst
- Michael Page – Cyber and Information Security Recruitment Specialist
- Missouri Attorney General – Assistant Attorney General
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization – Manager, Health Policy Analysis
- National Student Clearinghouse – Technical Specialist
- New Jersey State Assembly – Director of Policy and Communications
- New Jersey State Assembly – Legislative Aide
- New York City Office of Management and Budget – Budget Analyst
- Northwestern Mutual – Financial Representative
- NORWESCAP – Executive Director
- Overseas Private Investment Corporation – Director, Corporate Development and Chair, Innovative Financial Intermediaries Program
- Peace Corps - Albania
- PA House of Representatives, Children and Youth Committee – Democratic Executive Director
- PA House of Representatives, Republican Policy Committee – Research Analyst/Communications Coordinator
- PA Senate – Media and Policy Coordinator
- PA Partnerships for Children – Vice President of Public Policy
- PredictIt – Data Analyst
- Rhode Island Insurance Company – Client Solutions Manager
- Rose City Projects, LLC - Principal
- Service Source – Senior Operations Support Specialist
- Shire – Launch Excellence and Planning Lead, US Medical Affairs
- Southeast Lancaster Health Services – Outreach and Enrollment Specialist
- State Farm Insurance – Insurance Agent
- Township of Union Board of Education – Teacher
- TWD and Associates – Senior Business Development Manager
- University of MD, Carey School of Law – Program Manager
- Virginia Commonwealth University – Associate Chair and Professor of Political Science
English Language Requirements
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