Government & Political Affairs

Degree: B.A.

Why Study This Program?

A degree in Government & Political Affairs allows students to prepare for active citizenship, careers and advanced training in politics, law and related fields on both a national and international stage. Students should expect to gain a perspective on the many facets of government and politics in the United States and abroad, as well as the relationships among those governments.

After the completion of this degree, students can expect to step into the field of their choosing, or pursue graduate education. With a variety of careers ranging from education to politics or public service, students are taught the skills of research, analysis and presentation that are essential to success in any career.

In terms of furthering their education, graduates of the department have gone on to receive juris doctorate degrees from a number of top-ranked law schools, including Cornell University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, the University of Maryland, the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University and William and Mary College. Others have earned graduate degrees from such respected institutions as the City University of New York, the University of Delaware, the London School of Economics, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University. 

What Will You Learn?

Students who earn a degree in Government & Political Affairs study all the major sub-fields of the discipline. With a wide variety of courses in American politics, international relations, comparative government and political theory, this program covers not only the basics of politics, but dives into specific subjects of the students choosing. Students are required to complete 36 credits in government and political affairs, satisfy all minor requirements in any University-approved field of study, and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in the major as well as their general studies. 

Our faculty members are experts in their fields. In addition to impressive scholarly achievements, our professors pride themselves on being excellent classroom instructors. Our low student-faculty ratio and small class sizes are an added benefit, thus providing students with the opportunity to develop personal relationships with the faculty. Student evaluations confirm that the quality of the instruction and the dedication and collegiality of the faculty are high.

The department recognizes the importance of experiential learning in preparing students for discipline-related work. With a close proximity both to the state capitol and Washington, D.C., cooperative education internships are plentiful. Additionally, the department maintains a close relationship with the International Studies Program (housed administratively in the department) and the International Affairs Program (directed by a faculty member of the department). These programs facilitate international experiences and promote a global perspective through a variety of exchanges and programs.