Political Science

  • BA
  • Major
  • Minor
Students gathered on mezzanine level of New Jersey state senate assembly room

Political science is one of the most useful tools we have for examining today’s complex, ever-changing world. If you’ve ever wondered about how people, institutions and ideas shape political systems, a degree in Political Science will satisfy your curiosity – and prepare you for a high-impact professional journey. 

Political Science will help you understand and address many challenges in our society and throughout the world, and to understand how our choices affect the world around us. You will learn about the institutions, groups, leaders, policies and ideas that shape the American political system and the governments of foreign countries. The program will help you:

  • Understand the American political process
  • Find out how our public policies are developed
  • Learn about the role of law in U.S. society and internationally
  • Discover the philosophies that shape political ideas
  • Examine different political systems in foreign countries
  • Analyze key issues in foreign policy
  • Be a more informed citizen

The study of Political Science will open doors to a wide variety of careers. You can pursue a career in law, public service, foreign policy, politics, or work with nonprofit organizations. Your acquired knowledge of politics and skill at analyzing complex institutions is also perfect preparation for a career in journalism, business or social studies education. 

See the curriculum.

Complement Your Degree

The 18-credit minor in Political Science is open to students of any major. It gives you the opportunity to study selected aspects of Political Science in the areas of interest of American Government and Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Thought and Philosophy. In addition to the required courses, you will take another 6 credits in electives. Choose from among the dozens of options in the department’s course listings to find the courses that interest you most. Offerings include courses such as Perspectives on Law; Public Administration; American Foreign Policy; Gender and Politics; and Campaign Politics, among many others. 

See the curriculum.

Earn Teacher Certification!

You can major in Political Science and become certified to teach Social Studies to students from preschool to the 12th grade.

BA in Political Science with Teacher Certification in Social Studies (Preschool-Grade 12) 

Students who wish to pursue P-12 teacher certification in Social Studies must apply to and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Once admitted, students will be matriculated into the BA in Secondary Education program as a second major. 

Please visit the Teacher Education Program website for the required professional sequence of courses and other important Program requirements, guidelines and procedures. Students also are strongly advised to review the Teacher Education Program Handbook. The course SASE 401 is the departmental requirement. 

The social studies teacher is expected to have a broad understanding of the cultural and environmental factors which shape the individual and society. To meet the approved program for certification in social studies, coursework is required in each of the following:

  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Sociology

A detailed description of the requirements is available through the office of the Social Studies Teacher Education Coordinator in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

See the curriculum.

Combined Programs

Student wearing suit visiting New Jersey State House Annex.

Combined BA in Political Science/MA Law and Governance

A Combined Degree program enables undergraduate students to enroll in graduate courses in their senior year, which can be counted toward the completion of both their bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements. The ability to take these “swing courses” allows students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shortened period of time, typically within five years.

Career Opportunities

Politician
Public Policy Analyst
Lobbyist
Public Administrator

Federal Agency Worker
Government Intelligence Analyst
United Nations Worker
Human Rights Advocate

Teacher
Urban Planner

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Undergraduate Admissions Office

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Department of Political Science, Law, History and Anthropology

The Department of Political Science, Law, History and Anthropology brings together disciplines dedicated to understanding people, power, culture and society across time and around the world.