Political Science
What We Do:
Politics matters to every person in every community. The decisions made by government officials affect all of us on a daily basis — from the amount of money we pay in taxes to the quality of education we receive to the safety of the food we eat and the water we drink. Political science explores how governments are structured and how they resolve social conflicts and provide for the public good. Political science also explores the roles that people can play in their governments and the actions people take to influence public policy to serve them and their communities.
Women and men concerned about the quality of their lives, as well as the quality of life in their communities and the world, need to understand how governments function and how to engage effectively in politics. Political science provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to ensure that government is by and for the people. With its mix of theoretical and empirical approaches to studying politics, political science prepares women and men for fulfilling careers, life-long learning, and active and effective citizenship.
How We Stand Out:
- Teaching rooted in Jesuit values like cura personalis and Magis inspires students to take action, improving themselves and the world around them.
- From legal professions to the House of Representatives to non-governmental organizations, Political Science graduates have a broad range of successful outcomes.
- Real-world experience through internships and faculty-mentored research prepares students for success in the competitive job market.
- Strong foundations in reading, writing and verbal communication to prepare students to be discerning, responsible, and effective members of their local, national, and global communities.
- Typically, 90-95% of our students who apply to law school are successful in gaining admission, compared to a nationwide success rate of about 75%.
Programs:
The Political Science Department offers students the opportunity to major or minor in Political Science. The Department also offers a major in Public Policy and Service.
In addition, Political Science Department courses are integral to the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ’s International Studies major and minor. Moreover, the Political Science faculty members encourage all students, no matter their major, to enroll in a political science course or two so that they will gain the knowledge and skills to influence their governments.
Inside the Classroom:
- Focus on research, leadership and civic engagement to make a difference.
- Emphasis on written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Discover meaning, question purpose and articulate opinions in debates.
- Learn to thrive in teams and build consensus.
Student Research:
Get to know your professors on a one-on-one basis through faculty-mentored research opportunities. Dr. Michael Allison coordinates our Faculty and Student Research Program (FSRP) and Dr. Jean Harris leads the charge for our Student / Faculty Teaching Mentorship Program (SFTMP).
Career Outcomes:
You’ll find Scranton graduates with a Political Science degree working in fields such as:
- Government
- Law
- Sales & Marketing
- Higher Education
- Transport & Logistics
- Human Resources
- Strategic Communications
- Public Administration
- Military Intelligence
- Public Relations
- Journalism
- Business
- Research
- Non-profit Administration
Political Science Department
Undergraduate Admissions
Contact Us:
- Dr. Michael Allison, Chair
- Political Science Department
- O'Hara Hall
- Scranton, PA 18510
- The ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ
- Phone: 570.941.4392
- Fax: 570.941.6485
- michael.allison@scranton.edu
