Villanova University

What you'll study

The programme combines core coursework in political theory, comparative politics, American politics and international relations with advanced training in research design and quantitative and qualitative methods. Students typically take a mix of seminars and skills courses that emphasise empirical analysis, policy evaluation and substantive knowledge of political institutions and processes.

• Core theory and institutions: seminars in political theory, constitutional politics, and the structure and function of national and subnational institutions.
• Comparative and international politics: comparative political systems, democratization, international organisations and foreign policy analysis.
• American politics and public policy: elections and political behaviour, public administration, legislative processes, and policy analysis.
• Methods and research: statistics for social science, research design, causal inference, survey methods and qualitative research techniques.
• Capstone or thesis: options commonly include a supervised research thesis or a capstone practicum project applying research skills to a policy issue; internships with government, NGOs or advocacy organisations are often integrated.
• Electives and special topics: students may choose electives in areas such as political economy, race and politics, ethics and public policy, urban politics, or security studies depending on faculty offerings.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in political science or a related discipline, with a competitive academic record. Villanova evaluates applications holistically; typical requirements include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining academic and professional objectives, two or three letters of recommendation, and a current CV or résumé.

Standardised tests are considered according to departmental policy; some applicants may be encouraged to submit GRE scores while others apply without them. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test unless exempted by prior study in English. Professional experience or demonstrated interest in public affairs can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, as well as further academic study. The programme prepares students for analytically demanding roles that require research, policy evaluation and communication skills.

• Public sector: policy analyst, legislative staffer, public affairs specialist, local or national government roles.
• Nonprofit and advocacy: programme officer, research analyst, campaign manager, NGO policy adviser.
• Private sector and consulting: political risk analyst, consultant, public affairs or government relations professional.
• Further study: preparation for PhD programmes in political science or related social sciences, and for professional degrees such as law.

Why study at Villanova University

Villanova’s programme is rooted in a liberal arts tradition and the university’s Augustinian values, emphasising ethical reflection alongside rigorous enquiry. Students benefit from small seminar-style classes, close faculty supervision on research projects, and opportunities to connect classroom work with policy practice through internships and partnerships in the Philadelphia region and beyond.

The department’s faculty bring active research portfolios across subfields of political science, offering supervision for thesis and independent research. The university’s career services, alumni network and proximity to municipal, state and regional organisations provide accessible pathways to internships and employment in government, advocacy and research institutions.