Susquehanna University

What you'll study

The Political Science and Government major at Susquehanna provides a broad grounding in the core subfields of political science while allowing students to pursue specialised interests. Typical course topics include American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy and political behaviour. Students also take training in research design and methods, including statistics for social sciences, qualitative methods and a practicum in applied research.

• Introductory courses – foundations in political thought, institutions and processes.
• Core subfields – courses in American government, comparative politics, international relations and political theory.
• Research and methods – quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis, research design and ethical issues in social research.
• Seminars and capstone – advanced seminars and a senior capstone or independent research project that emphasises original analysis and effective written and oral presentation.
• Experiential learning – internships, community-engaged projects, participation in Model UN, debate and opportunities to study away or spend a semester in Washington, D.C., or other programme sites.
• Electives and special topics – public policy, political economy, human rights, media and politics, environmental politics, campaign strategies and comparative public administration.

Programme structure

The major typically combines introductory requirements, a sequence of core courses, a methods component and electives, culminating in a senior seminar or capstone project. Students are encouraged to pair political science with complementary fields such as economics, history, international studies, communications or modern languages to broaden employability and analytical skills.

Entry requirements

Susquehanna University assesses applicants holistically. Typical applicants will have completed a college-preparatory secondary-school curriculum with a strong record in social studies, history and writing-intensive courses. Recommended preparation includes coursework in civics, history, English and mathematics (for quantitative methods).

• Domestic applicants – successful candidates usually present competitive secondary-school grades and evidence of intellectual curiosity, leadership and extracurricular involvement; standardised tests may be optional depending on the admissions cycle.
• International applicants – should demonstrate comparable academic achievement in their national system. Proof of English proficiency is required where English is not the first language.
• Additional materials – personal statement, academic references and a resume outlining internships, community service or relevant activities strengthen an application. Some applicants may be invited to interview.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Political Science and Government are well placed for a variety of careers that value analytical thinking, writing, research and interpersonal skills. Common paths include:

• Public service and government roles at local, state and federal levels
• Law—many graduates go on to law school or legal paralegal roles
• Policy analysis, public affairs and think tanks
• Campaigns, political consulting and advocacy organisations
• International organisations, NGOs and diplomacy
• Journalism, communications and media relations
• Business, particularly in government relations, regulatory affairs and corporate social responsibility
• Further study in public policy, international relations or advanced academic research

Why study at Susquehanna University

Susquehanna is a small liberal arts university that emphasises close faculty-student collaboration and experiential learning. Political science students benefit from small seminar-style classes, access to faculty mentors for independent research, and a curriculum that integrates theory with practical skills such as data analysis, public speaking and policy writing.

• Experiential opportunities – structured internship programmes, connections for placements in public, private and nonprofit sectors, and options to participate in off-campus semester programmes focused on politics and public affairs.
• Co-curricular engagement – active student organisations, Model UN, debate, community engagement projects and public events that bring practitioners and alumni to campus.
• Preparation for advanced study – rigorous methodological training and capstone research prepare students for graduate study in law, public policy, international affairs and political science.

Overall, the programme is designed for students who want a broad, intellectually rigorous political education with significant opportunities to apply learning in real-world settings and launch careers in public life or further study.