Whether your goal is to work on a presidential campaign, champion international relationships, promote social justice or run a nonprofit organization, understanding the many facets of political science is essential to making real change in the world.
From strategic messaging to behind-the-scenes access to the legislative process, the political system relies on the expertise of individuals who are committed to public service. Working towards social justice, transformative alternatives and critical thinking equally require the development of skills and bits of knowledge that enable us to become engaged in our worlds. We’ll prepare you for a career in government, journalism, law, the nonprofit sector or social justice endeavors.
You’ll learn how to analyze policy, power relations, struggles, issues of injustice, historical connections, the workings of governments and politics in general. You’ll also learn how to challenge the status quo and address complex issues including systemic racism, different forms of discrimination, diverse experiences of marginalization and multiple alternatives of social justice. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, so you’ll experience politics through internships with congressional campaigns, lobbying firms, Non-Governmental Organizations and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to study in the nation’s capital with our Quinnipiac University in Washington, D.C. (QU in DC) program.
With access to Quinnipiac’s Albert Schweitzer Institute, you’ll attend programs and lectures featuring global leaders, including Nobel Peace laureates and former U.S. presidents. Some of our recent political science graduates work as political reporters in Washington, staff members for the U.S. Department of State, staff members for members of Congress and state legislators, lobbyists and lead nonprofit agencies on issues of immigration.
Median annual wage for political science occupations with a master's degree is $128,020. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
There is no better place for political science majors to live and learn than in Washington, D.C., and the Quinnipiac University in Washington, D.C., program (QU in DC) places them in the very heart of our nation’s capital, where American politics and political news converge. QU in DC gives students the opportunity to complete powerful internships at prominent political and media organizations, learn from industry veterans and experience the culture of some of the district’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods.
“Attending The Washington Center seminar was an experience that I will never forget, and I encourage all majors to attend if they can. I was surrounded by people of different ideologies who made me challenge my own beliefs and expanded my knowledge. It was an experience I do not believe I could have gotten from any other program.”
Changes in the political landscape often occur at hyperspeed, and your education helps you understand the impact of these changes. In our Political Science program, you’ll learn by doing. Through well-placed internships, you will gain knowledge and experience from leaders in areas that influence international organizations, global security and foreign policy. From political campaigns, lobbying groups, government councils and commissions, you will have the opportunity to chart your direction. You’ll build industry skills on campus while gaining industry experience through internships at some of the most respected organizations in politics.
A bachelor's degree in political science can be useful in a number of career areas. Graduates can work in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; research; university and college teaching; social movements; Non Governmental Organizations; advocacy and more. Political science majors gain administrative skills and communication abilities that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential careers.
With an abundance of career-focused information and resources, the career advisers within the College of Arts and Sciences support students as they expand their professional networks and attract the attention of prestigious employers.
Our Dual-Degree BA or BS/MAT programs allow you to gain the hands-on skills needed to thrive in an elementary, secondary or special education classroom. These programs enable you to seamlessly complete both your undergraduate and graduate studies in just five years. Our immersive, hands-on curriculum consists of classes, internships and student teaching experiences to shape you as a leader in education.
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.