Political science student at Common Ground NCC
Undergraduate Major

Political Science Major (BA)

Major in political science at Widener and be where the action is as you explore real-world politics and civically engage with local and global communities.

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  1. Academics
  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. Political Science Major (BA)

At a Glance

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Major & Minor

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College/School
Campus Location
  • Chester, PA

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Explore the Political Science Major

A political science BA won't just deepen your understanding of how government affects our daily lives—it will transform you into a more engaged and informed citizen prepared to advocate for change across institutions and systems.

Our flexible curriculum and faculty mentors will help you find and deepen your passions across a variety of social and political issues like:

  • Climate change
  • Globalism
  • Healthcare
  • Law and society
  • Political activism

You'll then apply classroom knowledge to real-world issues to gain hands-on political experience. Join faculty-led trips to the state capital of Harrisburg, P.A.; Washington, D.C.; Europe, and beyond. Explore research and internship opportunities that will set your résumé apart.

No matter how you customize your poli sci major, you'll graduate ready to take political inquiry off the page towards meaningful change.

Political Science Major Program Options

From legislation to executive and administrative action to adjudication, you'll learn the process of politics from the ground up. Your Widener poli sci education will begin with an emphasis on being an informed citizen, but also pushes for greater appreciation of multiple perspectives on controversial public policy topics.

Then, you'll be able to customize your electives to your interests and explore an experiential learning approach to advocacy through a persuasive, yet civil framework. You'll complete your senior research project on your political science passions.

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements for the political science major.

College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth. 

Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:

  • How to make a difference in a diverse world with an inclusive mindset
  • How to write and edit for clear, compelling communication
  • How to analyze data and make decisions using critical thinking

It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.

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.

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.

Through Widener’s Accelerated Advantage program, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree with only one additional year of study—saving you valuable time and money. Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).
 
While Widener does not offer a master’s degree in the same field as this major, you can still select from a variety of powerhouse master’s programs that will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth.

Learn more about our Accelerated Advantage 4+1 Program

Interested in gaining real-world work experience before you graduate? As a student, you can tap into powerful networks of faculty mentors, alumni, and Career Design & Development professionals to find your perfect fit.

You'll have multiple opportunities to gain internship or externship support, including the Widener Works program—an externship program that takes place over winter break. Widener also offers an Experience MORE program which helps financially support students who have unpaid or low-paying internships.  

Learn more about internships

Pair Your Political Science Major with a Minor or Certificate

Economics Minor

Advantages

Develop your understanding of how an economy functions and how to spot trends and opportunities in finance or business.

Outcome

Economist

History Minor

Advantages

Learning about the past will better prepare you to understand the present and shape future politics.

Outcome

Political Historian

Psychology Minor

Advantages

Apply an understanding of how people think and behave when it comes to politics to create a compelling campaign strategy.

Outcome

Campaign Manager

English Minor

Advantages

Enhance your writing and professional language skills to confidently approach research writing, creative projects, and everything in-between.

Outcome

Political Reporter

Finance Minor

Advantages

Gain insight into economic, social, and entrepreneurial methods to provide investment advice and create financial plans for clients.

Outcome

Financial Analyst

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Political Science Majors

Recent Employers

  • Retail Industry Leaders Association
  • Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • J. P. Morgan Chase
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Hallowell & Branstetter, Political Consultants

Industry Growth

Employment of political scientists is expected to increase 6% by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Potential Careers

  • Attorney/Paralegal
  • Lobbyist/ Policy Advocacy
  • Nonprofit/Campaign Management
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Campaign Management
  • Policy/Intelligence Analyst

Fields & Industries

  • Public Service
  • Business
  • Government
  • Healthcare 
  • Non-profit 

Why Study Political Science at Widener?

Students in Harrisburg

Engage Beyond the Classroom

At Widener, you'll learn civic engagement by doing it. Participate in Student Advocacy Day in Harrisburg, PA, where you'll get to discuss topics of concern with elected officials. Dive into a tricky topic using cutting-edge research methodologies and present your findings at a conference. Join a club or organization—like Amnesty International Club or Pi Sigma Alpha - National Political Science Honor Society—to expand your network and worldview.

From study abroad opportunities to community political engagement projects and presentation opportunities, you'll always be learning something new in the field.

Faculty member mentoring student at high top table

Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One

We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.

Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.

Lean more about faculty mentorship
Explore resources for academic & career support
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Student Stories

Stephen DiDonato stands in front of the court house in Delaware County.

"I had a lot of hands-on experiences [during my internship] where I would go out and interview either experts in a particular field or leadership at different parks and at different sustainability initiatives throughout the county."

Stephen DiDonato

Class of 2024
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Cloe DiFlumeri poses alongside two individuals during an internship at Museum of Arts and Sciences.

"There’s so much overlap with my majors. They’re interdisciplinary so they allow me to explore my passions, but I love the different perspectives they all bring."

Cloë Di Flumeri

Class of 2023
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Taylor pictured with the Pride lions statue on campus

"Political science and sociology connect in a lot of different ways, especially when you look at the theorists, there’s a lot of overlap. Seeing those connections and then also connecting that to my daily life has been super important."

Taylor Easter

Class of 2025
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Brandon Matambo stands in the lobby of Quick Center; behind him is a stock ticker and students walking down steps

"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."

Brandon Matambo

Class of 2023
Read Story
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Our Faculty

James E. Vike
James E. Vike
Associate Dean of Social Science

"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."

Jeremy Backstrom
Jeremy Backstrom
Assistant Professor

"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."

View All Faculty Explore Faculty Research Interests

Recent News

Students look under a wooden board in a wooded area

How We Spent our Summer Vacation

Partnering with faculty advisors, more than 60 students participated in the annual Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (SURCA) program, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life, hands-on projects.

View All College of Arts & Sciences News

Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions

Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.

Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.

When to Apply​

We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app. 

Key dates to keep in mind:​

  • October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)​
  • November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin​

What to Expect After Applying​

Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Learn more about the application process

If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:

  • Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
  • Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
  • Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
  • Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!

All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.

Widener FAFSA Code 003313

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need. 

You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.

 

    Paths to Savings

    Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid

    Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.

    The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.

    Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years

    (including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)

    Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.

    4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

    In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.

    More About Tuition & Financial Aid

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