University of Hartford

What you'll study

The programme combines core courses in American government, comparative politics, political theory and international relations with training in research methods and quantitative analysis. Students build knowledge of constitutional law, public policy formation, political behaviour and the role of institutions at local, state and national levels.

• Core modules: American Government, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, International Relations, Constitutional Law.
• Methods and skills: Research Methods in Political Science, Statistics for the Social Sciences, Policy Analysis, Data Interpretation.
• Electives and specialisms: Public Administration, Campaigns and Elections, Human Rights, Environmental Policy, Urban Politics, Global Governance.
• Experiential learning: Internship placements with government offices, non‑profits, advocacy groups or legal organisations; capstone seminar or senior thesis focused on applied research.
• Optional opportunities: Study abroad, joint or double major options (for example with Economics, History or International Studies), pre‑law advising and moot court participation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent for undergraduate admission. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong performance in social science and humanities subjects and show clear interest in political and civic issues.

• High school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record.
• Evidence of preparation in relevant subjects such as history, government, economics or mathematics is advantageous.
• Standardised tests (where required) and additional materials such as personal statements, references or interviews may be considered as part of the admissions process; international applicants should provide recognised English language test scores where applicable.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may receive credit for prior coursework in political science or related fields.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Political Science and Government pursue a wide range of career paths in the public, private and non‑profit sectors. The programme develops analytical, research and communication skills valued by employers.

• Public sector and government roles at local, state and federal levels — policy analyst, legislative aide, public affairs officer, city or county administration.
• Law — many graduates progress to law school and careers as attorneys, legal researchers or compliance officers.
• Campaigns, political consulting and communications — campaign manager, political consultant, press and media roles.
• Non‑profit, advocacy and international organisations — programme officer, policy advocate, human rights or development practitioner.
• Private sector and research — public policy consulting, market research, risk analysis, and roles in think tanks and academic research.

Why study at University of Hartford

The University of Hartford offers a liberal arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, allowing students to engage directly with instructors and pursue independent research. Its location provides practical advantages for political science students, including proximity to state government institutions and a broad network of local non‑profits and legal organisations for internships and experiential learning.

• Personalised advising and pre‑professional support for students preparing for law school or public service careers.
• Opportunities for hands‑on internships with local government offices, advocacy groups and community organisations.
• Interdisciplinary connections across departments that allow students to combine political studies with economics, history, international studies or communications.
• Active student organisations, speaker series and events that bring practitioners and scholars to campus, enriching classroom learning with contemporary political debate.