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Why Earn Your BA in Political Science at Sacred Heart?
Explore governmental institutions and political processes as you develop the knowledge and skills to be an engaged citizen, a critical thinker, and a valued employee.
At SHU, you’ll gain a broad-based liberal arts education designed to prepare you for a variety of careers in law, business, public administration, and more. The BA in Political Science requires extensive reading, writing, analysis and critical thinking, along with public service internships. You’ll graduate prepared to enter public employment at the federal, state, or local level; pursue a private-sector career; or attend law or graduate school.
In this program, you will also:
Study American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory
Understand the American constitutional framework and public policy processes
Study the history of political thought through the great thinkers and their influence on American liberalism and democracy
Develop an understanding of the principles of the international system and the role of the United States in that system
Explore political traditions and cultures of other regions and states Learn to find quality research materials and incorporate them into well-crafted academic papers
Develop your ability to think critically about the political world
Learn to speak clearly and confidently, especially about your own political views
Gain valuable internship experience and have the chance to serve as a paid research assistant for faculty
Have the option to complete a senior thesis and to participate in the Semester in Washington program
Learn through experiences, such as study abroad experiences and field trips to the nation’s capital, museums, the United Nations, and more
Have the opportunity to join the national political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha
Start building your resume
SHU students typically complete internships with:
Legislators in the Connecticut General Assembly
National legislators in Washington, D.C.
US Attorney Generals Office
Lobbying firms
Connecticut Public Defender's Office
Congressional District Offices
Connecticut Probation Office
Election Campaign Offices
Party organizations
International Institute of Connecticut
Public administrators
Law offices
Graduate with the skills for a variety of careers
Legislative aides at U.S. Congress
Federal government agencies
Legislative aides at Connecticut State Capitol
Law firms
Federal courthouses
Public and private schools (teaching)
Insurance companies
Small businesses
Businesses, in sales positions
State and local government agencies
Dual Degree Program Options for Political Science Majors
Sacred Heart University’s dual degree programs make it easy for first-year students to move from an undergraduate degree to a graduate degree.
Some programs need specific majors, but others are open to most fields of study. Apply as an incoming first-year student, and you can be accepted into both programs at once. Reach out to your admissions counselor to learn about your options.
Ryan Silverstein, winner of the outstanding paper award at the 2021 National Model United Nations Conference
Ryan Silverstein, a political science major, won the outstanding paper award at the 2021 National Model United Nations New York Conference. Ryan's paper examined Financing for Development, Information and Communication Technologies for Sustainable Economic and Financial Development, and Disaster Risk Development. Ryan was a member of the Sacred Heart University student delegation that represented the island country of Barbados.
Where You Can Gowith a Bachelor's in Political Science
A Political Science degree provides excellent preparation for employment in both the public and private sectors. Graduates are prepared to pursue a variety of careers including law, business, public administration, homeland security, foreign service, teaching, journalism, not-for-profit management, international organizations, public opinion polling, campaign management, and elective office.
Combined programs offer you the opportunity to take graduate-level credits during your undergraduate years. During the end of your undergraduate studies, you will take Principles of Public Administration and Public Policy and Law. Both of these courses will count towards your graduate degree.
Students who are interested in pursuing a law degree can join the 3+3 bachelor’s & JD program, a collaboration between SHU and Seton Hall University or Villanova University.
Sacred Heart University offers political science majors the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and Master of Arts in Teaching with initial teacher certification in secondary social studies all within five years. Students must apply to the MAT during their sophomore year, and work closely with their advisor to ensure they are completing all prerequisite coursework during their undergraduate years. Political science majors must also complete 18 credits in history to qualify for social studies certification.
Prepare for further study
Political Science graduates from Sacred Heart University have attended law schools throughout the United States, including:
Boston University
Cardoso Law School
Georgetown
George Washington University
Hofstra
Michigan State
New York Law School
Quinnipiac University
Suffolk University
Syracuse University
University of Connecticut
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina
SHU placement in Political Science graduate programs include:
George Washington School of Political Management
Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri
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