Widener University

What you'll study

The programme is a four-year liberal-arts major that combines foundational theory with applied coursework and research. You will study core areas such as American government and institutions, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy, and constitutional law. Methodological training is integral: expect courses in research design, statistics for political science, and qualitative methods to prepare you for independent study and policy analysis.

• Core courses: Introduction to Political Science, U.S. Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory
• Methods and skills: Research Methods, Quantitative Analysis/Statistics for Political Science, Policy Analysis
• Advanced/seminar options: Constitutional Law, Public Administration, Political Communication, Campaigns and Elections, Human Rights, Global Governance
• Capstone and experiential learning: senior capstone or thesis, internship placements with government offices, NGOs, or advocacy groups, and opportunities for study abroad or community-based research
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: courses in economics, sociology, history, and legal studies to broaden practical and theoretical perspectives

Entry requirements

Admission is through Widener University's undergraduate admission process. Prospective students should present a strong secondary-school academic record and meet general university admission standards. Typical applicants have completed a balanced curriculum with coursework in social studies, writing and mathematics. International applicants provide equivalent qualifications and evidence of English language proficiency if required.

Successful applicants often demonstrate additional preparation or interest through extracurricular activities such as student government, debate, volunteer work, internships, or relevant summer programmes. Transfer applicants are evaluated on college coursework and must meet the university's transfer policies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Political Science and Government pursue a wide range of careers across public, private and non-profit sectors. Common paths include:

• Public service and government: legislative staff, policy analyst, local or state government administration
• Law and legal support: law school followed by careers as attorneys, or roles in legal research and paralegal work
• Policy and advocacy: positions with think tanks, NGOs, lobbying organisations and advocacy campaigns
• Campaigns and political consulting: campaign management, communications, polling and voter outreach
• Media and communications: political journalism, public relations, and political communications specialist roles
• Business and international roles: corporate public affairs, compliance, international organisations and graduate study in related fields

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers small class sizes and close faculty mentorship that support both theoretical learning and applied, hands-on experience. The university's location near Philadelphia and Wilmington gives students access to internships and networking with state and regional government offices, legal organisations, nonprofit groups and media outlets.

The programme emphasises experiential learning — internships, community-engaged research and a senior capstone — so students build practical skills employers seek, such as research and data analysis, policy writing and public speaking. Widener also provides pre-law advising and cross-disciplinary elective options, helping graduates move smoothly into law school, graduate programmes or immediate professional roles.