Political Science (B.A.)

  • Major, Minor
  • 4-year, On Campus

Why Study Political Science at La Salle?

Love politics? Want to understand how governments work, why public policies succeed or fail, and how citizens can make a difference in their communities and the world? Become a La Salle Explorer in historic Philadelphia and learn to navigate the exciting world of politics!

Our program brings politics to life through engaging lectures, lively class debates, policy analysis, simulations, and hands-on learning experiences. Let’s go beyond campaign slogans and social media posts to examine how political institutions function, how leaders make decisions, and how public policy shapes our daily lives.

Our program:

  • Explores important political issues of our time, including democracy, elections, public policy, constitutional law, social justice, international affairs, and political behavior.
  • Builds leaders with careers in government, law, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, campaigns, and public policy.
  • Offers exceptional faculty, engaging courses, and small class sizes that encourage individual mentoring and active student participation.
  • Expands your career options through internships, travel-study courses, and experiential learning in state capitals and Washington D.C.
  • Allows you to tailor your courses through dual-major or minor options in International Relations, Politics, Philosophy, Economics, Criminal Justice, Sociology, History, or Economics.

We are in one of America’s most politically vibrant regions, with outstanding internship opportunities in city, state, and federal government offices, nonprofit organizations, law firms, advocacy groups, and political campaigns. Philadelphia and nearby Harrisburg, New York City, and Washington, D.C. provide students with unparalleled access to the people and institutions shaping public life. Our program develops informed perspectives and invaluable critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers seek, enabling you to reach your dream job. Students participate in political events, honor societies, civic engagement activities, and student organizations, such as Mock Trial, that connect classroom learning with real-world experience.

Political Science majors pursue careers in government, law, public policy, business, finance, consulting, nonprofit leadership, journalism, international affairs, and education. Our interdisciplinary program prepares student for law school, public policy programs, business school, or doctoral study.

Come join us as we explore the institutions, ideas, and leaders that shape our society—and prepare to become an informed citizen and future leader!

Curriculum, Courses and Requirements

Highlighted Courses

POL 311 – Women In Politics

This course provides an introduction to the history and issues associated with the movement for women’s political equality. Topics include: women’s suffrage, equal protection and the ERA, job discrimination, and women in political campaigns and elected offices.

POL 314 – Mass Media And Politics

This course examines the influence of the mass media on the American political process. Emphasis is placed on the role of the media in campaigns and elections.

POL 341 – Globalization and International Decision Making

This course offers an analysis of the increasing functional obsolescence of the nation state under the pressures of transnational problems such as drugs, AIDS, and the environment. The emergence of regional and international organizations such as the European Union, the Organization of African States, and the Association of South East Asian Nations to meet these challenges are also addressed.

Meet the Faculty

Faculty in the Political Science Department host and participate in a number of events throughout the year for our majors and the wider La Salle community. Among these events are the annual Constitution Day Panel, the Lasallian Forum for Politics and Policy, film nights, and election night parties.

Career Opportunities

Backed by their ability to research, think critically, make evidence-based arguments, and address political and policy issues, students will be competent and prepared to handle their chosen careers. Our graduates have found themselves in high-level government positions, nonprofits, institutions of higher learning, and more. Our students have participated in internships or received jobs at:

  • National Constitution Center
  • United States Department of Homeland Security
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency Region III
  • United States Marshall’s Service
  • White House Internship Program
  • World Affairs Council
  • Congressional Offices (State and Federal)
  • Mayor’s Office of Philadelphia
  • World Affairs Council
  • Philadelphia District Courts

Below is a sampling of what some of our graduates are up to:

  • Madison Moore,  ’26, Immigration Paralegal with Palladino, Isbell & Casazza, LLC
  • Elijah Burnett,  ’26, Community Support Specialist, Lehigh Valley, Homestead Family Services
  • Lucas DeKaney,  ’25, Law Enforcement Officer, Temple University Department of Public Safety
  • Leah Brown,  ’23, Certified Legal Intern, Bucks County Office of the Public Defender, Law Student, Villanova University Law School
  • Anthony Pantalone,  ’23, State Advocacy and Global Engagement Analyst for Boeing Aerospace Corporation
  • Christian Camacho,  ’21, Campus Minister at Christian Brothers University, Memphis TN
  • Erin Finucane,  ’05, CEO Finucane & Co Consulting, specializing in social advocacy and government relations
  • Joanna McClinton,  ’03, is Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
  • Dwight Evans,  ’75, retired member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and U.S. House of Representatives

Studying political science at La Salle University gave me a strong foundation for my legal education and professional goals. The program strengthened my analytical, research, and writing skills while encouraging me to engage with complex political and philosophical issues. It also reinforced the importance of civic engagement and public service, inspiring me to better understand the institutions that shape our communities and the responsibilities that come with active citizenship. Through supportive faculty and engaging coursework, I became prepared for law school and a career in public service.

David O’Brien, ‘24
Law student at Emory University, Atlanta, GA
david o'brien
Cole Aloysius Welsh, '26

Cole Aloysius Welsh, ’26, has made an impressive impact at La Salle University as a double major in criminal justice and political science.

Intizorhon Fataeva, ’24, and Wilkes Pierce, ’25.

Intizorhon Fataeva, ’24, and Wilkes Pierce, ’25, received a valuable educational experience from the opportunity.