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:
Climate change
Globalism
Healthcare
Law and society
Political activism
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.
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.
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.
High Impact Practices and Research
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.
Faculty
Our professors invest in your success through close mentoring and continual feedback.
"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."
"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."
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.
To visit Widener is, more often than not, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.
When comparing costs, we encourage you to look beyond sticker price. Since Widener is a private institution, we’re able to offer financial assistance that brings our exceptional education within reach.
Our financial aid team takes the guessing game out of applying for financial aid. To determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants, apply and complete the financial aid process. You might be surprised at how much we can offer in assistance.
Next steps to apply
Applying online has never been easier—and it’s free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.
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.