Political Science

The study of political science provides students with the knowledge and skills to engage in the complex realm of national and international politics.

Our graduates go on to careers in public service, including government, law, journalism, military, teaching, campaign politics, social movement advocacy, and international organizations.

The bachelor of arts (BA) program is a liberal arts course of study incorporating a foreign language requirement and a minor from some other complementary discipline. 

The study of political science provides students with the knowledge and skills to engage in the complex realm of national and international politics.

Our graduates go on to various careers in public service, including government, law, journalism, military, teaching, campaign politics, social movement advocacy, and international organizations. 

The bachelor of science (BS) program does not include the foreign language requirement or require a minor, but does include courses in empirical political analysis.

American politics examines the US political system, public policy process and political actors and issues at the local, state and national levels. Through contemporary and historical lenses, American politics courses explore the powers, functions and behavior of the Congress, presidency, the courts and state and local government. 

International politics studies the political interactions and relationships among two or more transnational actors on the global stage, and the structure and context of the current globalized international system within which these interactions and relationships occur. Historically, states have been the dominant transnational actors in the world, but in the twenty-first century these actors increasingly include non-state entities such as international governmental organizations, international non-governmental organizations, multi-national corporations, and transnational religious, ethnic, ideological, social, professional or criminal groups and movements.

The civic engagement minor seeks to provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and experiences to become informed and effective participants in civic and democratic life. The interdisciplinary 15-credit minor includes an Introduction to Civic Engagement course and capstone experience (directed study in Civic Engagement or Directed Field Experience in Civic Engagement), along with courses from three categories of electives: politics/policy, communication/advocacy skills, and social justice/social change. To foster an interdisciplinary understanding of civic engagement, each of the three electives must be from a different department.

Within an increasingly globalized world, the International Relations minor provides students helps equip students for careers in many fields, particularly business, education, history, geography, and interdisciplinary studies and to Salem State’s international students.  

Students majoring in history, sociology, criminal justice, economics, psychology, communications, and business, and students preparing for law school or international business frequently have found a minor in political science to be very useful in their careers. Other students also have found a minor in political science helps them to critically analyze developments in their areas of interest. 

The public policy and public administration minor allows students to acquire analytical skills, knowledge of the policy making and implementation process, and substantive background in policy issues of interest to them. The fields of public policy and public administration has particular relevance to careers in business, criminal justice, social work, education, geography, communications, and biology.

Bridging theory and practice, our graduate certificate in public policy and administration is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in public and non-profit policy administration. Students will have the opportunity to develop strategic competencies in identifying and addressing public policy problems and implementing policies and programs. An emphasis will be placed on areas of public service, community-based collaboration, and social justice.