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Political Science at Penn State Harrisburg

Political Science at Penn State Harrisburg

The Political Science program prepares students to exercise the responsibilities of citizenship and leadership in a democratic society and as global citizens. The major offers a flexible learning opportunity that students can tailor to their own interests and career goals through concentrations including pre-law, U.S. politics, international studies, and security studies. Our proximity to the state capital in Harrisburg provides students with additional opportunities, including guest speakers and internships.

Penn State Harrisburg’s Political Science program major offers a flexible learning opportunity that students can tailor to their own interests and career goals while acquiring broadly employable skills for careers in a variety of fields. The program prepares students to exercise responsibilities of citizenship and leadership in a pluralistic democratic society, and as global citizens. Faculty members bring diverse international backgrounds to the program and contribute a wide range of academic and practical insights.

Foundational courses provide an opportunity to understand not only U.S. federal, state, and local governments, but also the political systems of other nations and the philosophies that underlie them; further, students learn about political theory, comparative and international politics, and methodology for political analysis. Throughout the program, students are able to build their own individual focus area of study, and can choose from one of the following recommended concentrations:

  • U.S. Political Institutions and Processes
  • Pre-law
  • International Studies
  • Security Studies

The major in Political Science is also a comprehensive immersive learning experience, with students geared towards internship experience in the Harrisburg region that count toward their degree completion, the Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Society, the School of Public Affairs Student Association (SPASA), and individual research opportunities with faculty in the program. 

Career Outlook/ Job Opportunities

Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate a projected growth rate of 3% between 2023 and 2033 for jobs in political science. 

Candidates who have specialized knowledge or experience in their field of interest will also have better job opportunities. Internships or volunteer work also may be helpful. Our program contributes to both.

More than half of all political scientists are employed by the federal government. Political scientists will continue to be needed in government to assess the impact of government policies, such as the efficiencies of public services, effects of departmental cuts, and advantages of proposed improvements. Political organizations, lobbying firms, and many nonprofit, labor, and social organizations rely on the knowledge of political scientists to manage complicated legal and regulatory issues and policies. Political scientists will be needed at research and policy organizations to focus specifically on politics and political theory. Organizations that research or advocate for specific causes, such as immigration, healthcare, or the environment, also need political scientists to analyze policies relating to their field.

Graduate Study

The major in political science provides a particularly strong foundation for further studies in law school or graduate school. Upon successfully completing the program, students may qualify for admission to one of our graduate programs and seamlessly continue their academic journey with us in residential, hybrid, or fully online programs, including:

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