Political Science

Overview

The political science major at Saint Joseph’s University offers the opportunity to examine politics, government and the political process. This program is ideal for those interested in the study of power, behavior, compromise and relationships between political figures in a variety of different contexts.

What is a Political Science Major?

Saint Joseph's University's political science program will encourage you to think about how politics applies to everything from elections to globalization to poverty and even pop culture. You'll develop an understanding of the increasing connection between domestic affairs and international trends and critically examine the significant questions we face at the local, national and global level.

Ways to Study Political Science

You can pursue a major in political science or a political science minor if you are majoring in another discipline.

What Can You do with a Degree in Political Science?

As a political science major at Saint Joseph’s University, you will be encouraged to develop a life-long love of learning, a sense of responsible citizenship and the habit of critical analysis. The major is designed to develop strong reading comprehension, research, writing, speaking and analytical skills. Our aim is to provide you with interesting courses about politics and policy that will also offer a variety of tools that will serve you well in your future plans.

Graduates have gone on to pursue a wide range of political science careers. Popular political science jobs include:

Political campaign manager
Lobbyist
Political consultant
Government official
Legislative assistant
Political scientist
Policy analyst
Marketing research analyst
Diplomat or foreign service officer
Intelligence analyst
Attorney

How will Saint Joseph’s University Prepare You for a Career in Political Science?

Saint Joseph's University offers students opportunities to find exciting ways to build a college career that will prepare you for personal and professional success. Many political science students choose to spend a semester abroad, take a summer study tour or intern locally in Philadelphia or Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia offers a variety of internship opportunities for political science majors. Among those include The Philadelphia Area Internship Program, a program allowing students to work in the public sector, private sector or a non-governmental organization in the Philadelphia area. Students work 10 hours per week and receive credit for the internship.

In addition to the many internship opportunities available to students in Philadelphia, there are several opportunities to intern in Washington D.C. For example, The Washington Center Internship Program is a highly regarded program allowing students to spend a semester or summer in Washington D.C. Through the program, political science majors can intern and take classes that are specific to their major or interest. The program is open to all majors and disciplines, and students can choose from seven professional tracks that cater to their career aspirations:

Advocacy, Service and Arts
Business and Global Trade
International Affairs
Law and Criminal Justice
Media and Communications
Politics and Public Policy
Science, Technology and Society

Course Catalog Information

International Relations

As an international relations major, you will study world regions, global affairs, economic development and human rights from various disciplinary perspectives.

Philosophy

At Saint Joseph’s University, the philosophy program offers a creative and critical exploration of the meanings and values by which we live our lives. Students inquire, in a disciplined yet free and unrestricted manner, into matters, society, state and culture.

Justice and Ethics in Law Minor

Saint Joseph’s University’s justice and ethics in the law (JEL) minor emphasizes the ethical, corporate, social and political structures that underlie the law.