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Political Science
Degree
BA in Political Science
Department
At a Glance
Gain a profound knowledge of political theories and institutions in the U.S. and around the world. Our rigorous program equips you to become a political scientist with extensive skills in interpretation, evaluation, and the measurement of critical information. Guided by strong mentorship from diversely experienced faculty, you’ll graduate well-prepared to succeed in a range of careers thanks to strong capabilities in research, data analysis, and the formulation of clear and convincing, evidence-based arguments.
Undergraduate Program Options
MAJOR
MINORS
Accelerated/Dual-Degree Program Options
Get a jumpstart and enter the workforce with a master’s or professional degree. Accelerated options get you there faster and more affordably through fewer semesters of classes. Dual degrees offer a streamlined path to earning two degrees, often with direct admission to the graduate portion.
PUBLIC POLICY
Political Science + Public Policy, BA/MPP
Third-year juniors may apply to the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program in public policy.
LAW
Political Science + Law, BA/JD
Third-year juniors may follow a six-year (3+3) accelerated pathway and graduating seniors may follow a seven-year (4+3) traditional pathway to gain direct admission to law school in this highly selective dual-degree program with Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law.
You’ll Benefit From:
- Small classes, labs, and seminars to foster extensive engagement and collaboration
- A flexible curriculum that easily accommodates double majors
- Paid and volunteer internship at the state level in Trenton or in Washington, D.C.
- Opportunities for faculty-mentored research, internships, and study abroad
- First-rate instruction and strong mentorship from expert faculty
- Political perspectives and a foundation in economics, law, and quantitative methods
Careers
You’ll graduate with the practical skills, insights, and experience to attract employers and top graduate programs. Our students have launched careers in law, electoral politics, community or nongovernmental organizations, governmental or international agencies, advocacy or lobbying, and public affairs.
Some alumni have chosen to pursue graduate studies at American University, Boston University, Georgetown University, the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, Syracuse University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, among others.
For TCNJ students interested in law, the prelaw program offers outstanding advising and curricular/extracurricular opportunities.
Internships
As a political science student, you can apply the skills you’ve learned and earn academic credit through faculty-supervised internships in various government, law, and public policy organizations. TCNJ maintains strong ties with various offices and entities in the capital city of Trenton, and with the state government just minutes away, our students intern in the New Jersey governor’s office, the New Jersey legislature, numerous state agencies, and within the broader policy community. A multitude of internship opportunities — both paid and volunteer — provide you with unmatched experience. We also have connections with our partner institution, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, in Washington, D.C.
Recent internship locations include advocacy and industry groups, law firms and municipal courts, the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey governor’s office, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, state and federal campaigns, and state legislative and congressional district offices.
Student Organizations
Students are highly active in political and political science organizations on campus.
Study Abroad
As a political science major or minor, you are strongly encouraged to study abroad and broaden your understanding of other cultures and political systems. Gaining a global perspective and experience can also inform your future academic and career pathways. TCNJ’s Arlotto Family Center for Global Engagement offers over 100 different study abroad sites, with political science students often opting to study in the European Union, Latin America, and Thailand.
Faculty
Our highly qualified political science faculty are actively engaged in research and have substantial professional achievements. Each student has a faculty advisor to help guide and mentor them throughout the program.
