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.
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Political science majors can participate in the following pathways:
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.
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The double major criminal justice and political science is designed for students interested in law school or careers in court- or government-related professions.
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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.
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 communication studies and political science students experienced the New Hampshire primary firsthand on a four-day trip to the early primary state.
Numerous Widener students and alumni have carved out successful careers in government and politics, working both behind the scenes and in elected positions.
Associate Professor J. Wesley Leckrone has co-edited “Pennsylvania Politics and Policy: A Commonwealth Reader Volume 2,” a book that explores important issues in Pennsylvania politics in a constructive, nonpartisan manner.
With a strong network of alumni and industry professionals, you're sure to find career success.
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