Understand politics, understand the world
Everything in our world is political and therefore, politics has a constant influence on our lives. The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program provides students with a knowledge and understanding of our political world that goes beyond the simplistic headlines and delves deep into the nuances of how politics functions. This level of understanding not only provides students with the knowledge of how our world really works, but also provides them with a set of skills that is transferable to a variety of lucrative and influential careers.
The skills I learned in Shenandoah’s political science program helped to prepare me not just for a job in the political realm, but for any job where I need to use statistics and research to help explain and predict the patterns of the public.
Rebecca Sims ’22 | Political Science and Media & Communications
SU Political Science alumni have gone on to work in federal agencies, law firms, on capitol hill, for non-profit organizations, as police officers, for political campaigns, along with a variety of other occupations.
Our students have also successfully attended law school (including George Mason, Richmond and Florida State) and graduate school (including Stanford, Virginia Tech, University of Denver, Florida State and George Mason).
Learn More About This Program
You will learn general political science, public administration, government and international politics plus a history of Western political philosophy. Elective study will allow you to learn about public policy, public organization, comparative politics, foreign policy, American political parties, the U.S. Constitution, organizational leadership and more.
Your versatile set of skills gained from studying political science are applicable to a variety of careers in federal, state and local governments; law, business, international organizations, nonprofit associations and organizations, campaign management and polling, journalism, electoral politics and research. You can also pursue teaching at the college level.
Shenandoah University’s College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.
We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You’ll learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.
Minor in This Program
If you’re passionate about politics, international affairs and critical social issues affected by government, a minor in political science can provide a versatile skill set for a wide range of careers.
Declaring A Minor
Shenandoah students work with their Academic Advisor to declare a minor. Academic Advisors will continue to work with students to ensure that they fulfill all of the requirements to complete the minor.
Incoming students should not indicate their intended minor on their Shenandoah application. Applications are for intended majors only.
Internship Possibilities
Currently, I am working for the Fair Election Center’s Campus Vote Project as Virginia Deputy State Coordinator. They are a 501(c)(3) that works with college campuses across the nation to support students in teaching voter education on their campuses and help students and administrators with voter outreach. I was qualified for this position because of my degree but also because I had fellowship with them while I was an undergrad!
Amber Wilt ’22 | Political Science major with a Law & Legal Studies minor
The Career & Professional Development staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Your versatile set of skills gained from studying political science are applicable to a variety of careers in federal, state and local governments; law, business, international organizations, nonprofit associations and organizations, campaign management and polling, journalism, electoral politics and research. You can also pursue teaching at the college level.
Career and Salary Examples for Political Science Majors:
- Intelligence Analyst: $67,500
- Legal Assistant: $34,500
- Paralegal: $33,838 – $74,382
- Attorney/Lawyer: $72,500
- Program Coordinator, Non-Profit Organization: $53,000
- Human Resources (HR) Manager: $64,864
In addition to the knowledge I have gained through my Global Studies, Political Science, and Spanish courses, these programs have prepared me for a career in human rights and international humanitarian law by constantly encouraging me to follow my curiosities, which I believe has been a crucial element that has helped me get to where I am now. I have also developed a love for researching and writing. As a freshman, I did not enjoy writing on a weekly basis, but as I prepare for graduate school at Stanford University in the fall, I am thankful that my professors, in particular, Dr. Leonard encouraged us to write constantly.
Karen Cornejo Guillen ’18 | Political Science, Spanish, and Global Studies triple major with a Geography minor
Career & Professional Development provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Classes
You will learn general political science, public administration, government and international politics plus a history of Western political philosophy. Elective study will allow you to learn about public policy, public organization, comparative politics, foreign policy, American political parties, the U.S. Constitution, organizational leadership and more.
I was fortunate enough to have more than one favorite class in my time at SU. Some of them include Survey of Latin American Literature, The Southern Cone, Spanish Cinema, an Independent Study of Pedro Almodóvar films, Global Human Rights, and so many others. However, the class that sparked my interest in what I now consider my future career, international humanitarian law, was International Criminal Justice. Out of all 12 wonderful courses I took with Dr. Eric Leonard, this one is especially memorable. I took it during my sophomore year and it definitely challenged me intellectually, it pushed me to become a better writer and overall, it introduced me to a field about which I am now so passionate.”
Karen Cornejo Guillen ’18 | Political Science, Spanish, and Global Studies triple major with a Geography minor
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.
Join the Honors Program
The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary Honors Program for students who are curious, creative, self-motivated, and eager to engage in their education and community.
Not only do Honors Program students partake in honors courses that emphasize collaboration, service, and communication, but they will also have the opportunity to develop aspects of the program based on their own interests and goals. By participating in the Honors Program you will acquire the tools, knowledge and experiences necessary to make meaningful contributions to your community – whether it be globally, locally, or specific to your life’s work. You will have access to unique courses, exciting experiences and a community of peers and faculty who never stop asking questions and striving for excellence.
Faculty
You will enjoy a small faculty-to-student ratio with faculty who are experienced professionals.
Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class — the average class size is approximately 12 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.
I started classes this week at University of Richmond Law School and would like to immediately take the time to thank Dr. Eric Leonard… your entire method of assigning reading on the topic to be covered before the next class and engaging the entire class in a discussion to cover the material rather than straight lecturing has given me a clear advantage over my classmates coming from larger schools. I surprisingly feel more prepared for the Socratic case-based learning style of the law school from having participated in so many of your classes. I just wanted you to know that your thoughtful approach to teaching and efforts to prepare your students for future success is appreciated beyond words.”
Jacob Newton ’17 | Political Science major
Related Programs
Students interested in this program should also look into these other majors, graduate degrees, minors, and certificates.
All majors within the College of Arts & Sciences require students to complete a minor in the program of their choice at Shenandoah.
These minors complement this program well:
- Law And Legal Systems (Pre-Law)
- Global Studies
- Gender & Women’s Studies
- Business Administration
- Economics & Finance
You may want to think about enhancing your degree with these certificates that pair well with this program:
My advice to any prospective students considering Political Science as a major would be to try to focus energy on developing a skill-set that will be applicable to any job and/or further studies after undergrad. Unfortunately, too many people discount this area of study because it is so broad and does not necessarily teach a trade. In my time at SU, I have learned that refining written and oral communication skills, expanding research abilities, obtaining proficiency or fluency in an additional language and more can also be beneficial because those are skills that are applicable to more than just one career path—it makes you more marketable. I would also advise students to explore courses that they may not have considered taking before—take responsibility for your college experience by looking at the course catalog and seeing what courses are available. If you have an idea for an independent study, seek out a way to make it happen. Some of the most rewarding courses I took as an upperclassman were independent studies where I examined a topic or question a little closer, with guidance from my professors.
Karen Cornejo Guillen ’18 | Global Studies, Political Science, and Spanish triple major with a Geography minor
Application Information
Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.
Study Abroad
Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.
Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program
The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.
Study Abroad
Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.
Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world. These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU. All partner universities offer courses taught in English.
Political Science Abroad Course Catalog
