Be where the action is as you explore and debate real-world politics. You'll gain the leadership skills to succeed in an array of occupations related to law, government and advocacy.
At Widener, understanding how government affects our daily lives is at the core of our curriculum. We combine innovative experiential learning opportunities and traditional classroom work to help you create the change you want. You'll learn to apply knowledge of political systems to issues that most interest you, like:
There are so many opportunities to study what you're passionate about. We offer a flexible curriculum that allows a variety of minors or double majors. When you graduate, you won't just start your career. You'll continue the work you've been doing all along.
Your journey to a powerful future starts at Widener. With our flexible curriculum and variety of options you are sure to find the path that's right for you.
View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements.
Political science is one of the majors traditionally chosen by students interested in going to law school. Our students have the opportunity to participate in a pathway for pre-law.
The accelerated BA/MPA program enables high achieving undergraduate political science majors to begin fulfilling requirements for a master's degree in public administration while completing the bachelor's degree. You can get both degrees in just five years.
You can get a law degree in 6 years at either of the Widener Law Schools if you qualify for the 3+3 Program.
If you meet certain requirements, you are also guaranteed admission to Commonwealth Law or Delaware School of Law.
To view requirements and more information, see the Loading....
The double major criminal justice and political science is designed for students interested in law school or careers in court- or government-related professions.
View the Loading... for more information.
You'll have the opportunity to travel with faculty to gain hands-on political experience in Europe, Washington D.C., Harrisburg, Philadelphia and more. Our flexible curriculum and professors' personal mentoring help you out along the way, and prepare you for the future.
Before you graduate, you'll participate in high impact practices that help you learn the research and communications skills to prepare for the job market. An individualized senior research poster presentation, internship, semester abroad, or community political engagement project are all experiences that put political science majors on the inside track.
Different clubs and organizations around campus offer the opportunities to lead and engage in political and community activities.
Take your civic and political engagement knowledge and apply it at Student Advocacy Day in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where you'll get to discuss topics of concern with elected officials.
Our faculty drive every student they teach toward personal and professional success. The small class sizes mean personal attention for you. Here, you'll find your second family in professors and classmates.
You'll find an innovative two-phase model of political engagement activities at Widener:
•Phase one emphasizes being an informed citizen, but also pushes for greater appreciation of multiple perspectives on controversial public policy topics.
•Phase two emphasizes an experiential learning approach to advocacy through a persuasive, yet civil framework.
Political Science majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, inlcuding the Amnesty International Club, the Pi Sigma Alpha - National Political Science Honor Society, and many more.
Our professors invest in your success through close mentoring and continual feedback.
"My attraction to Widener came from the culture and practices of the departments I teach in. I immediately felt at home with the benefits of the small class sizes, which create a department culture that truly emphasizes an open-door policy, student-faculty collaborative research, and a significant interaction between students and professors."
"Our students care about furthering positive outcomes in society. My goal in the classroom is to help them do this by building managerial and leadership skills that improve work performance in the near term and aid career advancement."
From course syllabi to couch parties, Widener is meeting students where they are to empower them to become registered, educated, and active voters.
Widener faculty have led strategic efforts to inform the community of voting procedures, to encourage participation and engagement ahead of the 2020 presidential election.
Political science students Cloë A. Di Flumeri ‘23 and Jack Heavner ’21 harness SURCA research findings to gain a deeper understanding to American politics at the state and national levels.
With a strong network of alumni and industry professionals, you're sure to find career success.
Hear from our students about their experience in the political science program.
Widener has done a really good job preparing me for what hands-on work was going to look like, how I can use my major, and what options I have.
When you graduate, you won't just start your career. You'll continue the work you've been doing all along with a resume distinguished by career-specific learning experiences.
Kapelski Learning Center, Room 337