Political Science & Global Affairs

Political Science

As a political science major at Sacred Heart University, you'll build the analytical, research, writing, and communication skills employers and graduate schools value most. Through thoughtful discussion, faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning, you'll learn to evaluate complex political issues from multiple perspectives and connect classroom concepts to real-world challenges in government, public policy, and global affairs.

The political science program combines the study of American government, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy to help you understand how political systems function, how public decisions are made, and how those decisions shape communities, nations, and the world. You'll explore today's most important political questions while developing critical thinking skills to analyze them with confidence.

Whether your goal is a career in government, public service, law, nonprofit leadership, business, advocacy, diplomacy, or international relations—or graduate study in political science or related fields—you'll graduate prepared to lead, solve complex problems, and make an informed impact in your community and beyond.

Global Affairs

When you study global affairs at Sacred Heart University, you'll gain the global perspective, cross-cultural understanding, and adaptable problem-solving skills needed for careers that cross cultures, borders, and industries.

Through faculty mentorship, engaging discussions, and real-world learning, you'll learn to think critically about global issues from diverse perspectives. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, you'll study international relations, global governance, diplomacy, human rights, economic development, conflict resolution, and environmental policy. You'll explore how political, economic, social, and cultural forces influence nations and communities while learning to analyze today's most pressing global issues from multiple perspectives.

Whether your goal is a career in diplomacy, international business, public service, nonprofit leadership, global advocacy, international development, or graduate study, you'll graduate prepared to collaborate across cultures, solve complex problems, analyze the local and regional effects of global events, and make a meaningful impact in an interconnected world.

Minors

Complement your major with a minor that broadens your perspective and strengthens your understanding of government, policy, and global issues. The political science & global affairs department offers four minors:

• Public affairs explores public policy, government, and civic leadership, preparing you to better understand and address the challenges facing communities and institutions
• Political economy examines the intersection of politics and economics, helping you understand how public policy, markets, and institutions influence society
• Political science provides a deeper understanding of political systems, public policy, and political behavior while strengthening your analytical, research, and communication skills
• Global affairs focuses on international relations, diplomacy, and the global forces shaping today’s interconnected world, preparing you to engage with complex international issues

These interdisciplinary minors complement a wide range of majors and provide valuable skills for careers in public service, law, business, nonprofit leadership, international affairs, journalism, and other fields.

JD Program

Sacred Heart University offers a 3+3 bachelor's & JD program with Pace University, Seton Hall University and Villanova University. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor by completing all required credits for their degree program at Sacred Heart University within 3 years (90 credits). The balance of their undergraduate credits (30 credits) will be completed during their first year of law school at Pace University, Seton Hall University or Villanova University. Students may also choose to complete the law & justice minor, which will help to develop the skills they will need to succeed in law school and covers many of the same concepts and themes.