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Political Science is a broad social science discipline devoted to the study of government and politics of the US, other countries, and the international system. Our central goal is to produce students with a well-rounded knowledge of the discipline and a set of skills that serve as a basis for careers in any number of fields after graduation.
The study of political science provides an excellent basis to learn new skills and knowledge that can be applied in nearly any field. As a discipline, the focus of study is on the political process and institutions of various political systems, including the United States. However, the analysis of politics and government often involves other disciplines, such as history, economics, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, business, criminal justice, etc. This explicitly multi-disciplinary approach contributes to well-rounded graduates, which naturally leads them into a wide variety of careers.
Our Program
This major emphasizes examining problems from multiple perspectives, attention to factual details, and the need to continually develop and revise broader theoretical ideas. The Political Science degree at Mansfield University is available in three concentrations. Study International Affairs, Pre-law, or the US/Public Administration concentration.
Contact Mansfield University AdmissionsPolitical Science at Mansfield University
- B.A. in Political Science
- Pre-Law Concentration
- International Affairs Concentration
- Student Organizations
- Careers in Political Science
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
CU Degree Requirements (Effective Fall 2023):
Please see the CU degree requirements effective Fall 2023. All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.
The Bachelor of Arts Program in Political Science is designed to provide an excellent basis to learn new skills and knowledge that can be applied in nearly any field. As a discipline, the focus of Political Science is on the political process and institutions of various political systems. However, the analysis of politics and government often involves other disciplines, such as history, economics, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, business, criminal justice, etc. This multi-disciplinary approach contributes to well-rounded graduates, which naturally leads them into a wide variety of careers. Political Science coursework encourages students to examine problems from multiple perspectives, pay attention to factual details, and the consider the need to continually develop and revise broader theoretical ideas.
Completion of the Political Science Program prepares students by helping them to develop a key set of skills that will enhance their long-term career prospects. Many courses in this program highlight the importance of reading comprehension, critical and analytical thinking, and written and oral communication skills.
This program provides an academically challenging curriculum based around the multiple sub-fields of Political Science. It emphasizes high academic and personal standards, along with a sense of civic awareness.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Pre-Law Concentration
CU Degree Requirements (Effective Fall 2023):
Please see the CU degree requirements effective Fall 2023. All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.
The Pre-Law Program is designed to emphasize the relationship between philosophy and several of the social sciences. It is a rigorous program intended to challenge students while helping them to advance their opportunities in the study and practice of law.
Completion of the Pre-Law Program prepares students for law school and provides the foundation for a career in law. Students are exposed to rigorous coursework that hones analytical and critical thinking skills, which are necessary in the law profession.
This program provides express admission into the Widener Law School at Harrisburg Campus for students who meet the required qualifications. Additionally, there is an early admissions program which allows qualifying students to enter Widener Law School upon completion of their third year at Mansfield University. For more information about these qualification requirements or the Pre-Law Program, please contact your advisor.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, International Affairs Concentration
CU Degree Requirements (Effective Fall 2023):
Please see the CU degree requirements effective Fall 2023. All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.
The International Affairs Concentration is designed to explore the ongoing defense and security challenges present in the United States and other countries.
Completion of the International Affairs Concentration prepares students for advanced graduate coursework. Students also enter into government service such as the CIA, FBI, Homeland Security, United Nations, and the many private sector organizations that prevent, analyze, and respond to threats to security.
This program provides a focus on causes, consequences, and policies related to security issues at multiple levels.
Student Organizations
Political Science Club (PSC)
The goal of the Political Science Club is to promote greater awareness on campus about political issues. To achieve this, the PSC plans a variety of events. For example, the PSC regularly hosts an Election Night Live (ENL) party for mid-term and presidential elections. In the past, the PSC has organized a bus trip to Washington, D.C. to attend Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity, brought Lewis Black and his comedy tour In God We Rust to Mansfield University for a performance, and sponsored several activities including movie nights and guest speakers.
The club is non-partisan and meets on Wednesdays. Dr. Jeffrey Bosworth and Dr. Jonathan Rothermel are the faculty co-advisers.
Careers
Recent Political Science graduates have selected careers in the following areas:
- Politics
- Government
- Military
- Environmental Science
- Business
- Education
- Law
- Criminal Justice
For a listing of available jobs and internships in your field, visit the Career Center at Mansfield University!
Connect with the Political Science Program
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Learn more about Mansfield University's Political Science Program!
Call 800-577-6826 or request information using the button below. Mansfield University AdmissionsLicensure and Certification Information
While some of Mansfield University's professional degree programs are designed to prepare students to meet Pennsylvania's licensure or certification requirements, these programs are not necessarily compatible with licensure or certification requirements in other states. Students who plan to enroll in Mansfield's degree programs with the intent to pursue licensure or certification in states other than Pennsylvania must be aware of the professional licensure requirements in those states. Current students who are planning to undertake field experiences outside of Pennsylvania should also be aware the requirements of other states. Consistent with federal regulations, Mansfield is making a good faith effort to determine if our academic programs leading to licensure or certification meet the requirements of licensing boards in other states. Doing so requires contacting out-of-state licensing boards and having those boards review Mansfield's program curricula. As information from the out-of-state licensure boards is received, it will be posted on the University Licensure and Certification page.