Political Science

The Political Science program prepares students for careers in government, law, public policy, and national security through an integrated study of political science, legal systems, and public administration. With hands-on learning, internships, and real-world experiences, students gain the skills needed for public service, private-sector roles, and graduate study.

Program Snapshot

Political Science

Build the research, writing, and critical thinking skills that power careers in government, law, public policy, and national security—through hands-on learning, internships, and real-world partnerships.

Career Preparation

A quick look at program features, career directions, and who tends to thrive in Political Science.

What You’ll Do

Strengthen research and writing through policy-focused coursework.
Explore career paths through internships and campus symposiums.
Learn by doing with simulations, debate, and real-world case studies.

Where It Can Lead

Federal, state, and local government
Law & legal services
Campaigns, elections, and political affairs
Nonprofit administration and public policy roles

You’ll Thrive If…

You enjoy writing, research, and debate.
You’re curious how laws and policy actually get made.
You want partnerships with nonprofits, agencies, and campaigns.
You’re considering graduate study (law, policy, government, security).

Want a real example? This semester, students ran a U.S. Senate simulation to practice the legislative process firsthand.

Read the story

B.A. Program Overview

Political Science (formerly Government, Law, and National Security)

The Political Science program awards a Bachelor of Arts degree and provides students with an integrated knowledge of political science, legal studies, and public administration to prepare them for government service and the private sector. Courses examine threats to security, the policy-making process, the administration of public resources, and legal systems that uphold public safety. Graduates build a strong foundation for entry-level careers in criminal justice, homeland and national security, government service, law and legal services, campaigns and elections, nonprofit administration, and political affairs. The program also supports graduate study and offers internships, career planning exercises, and study-away opportunities that connect students with professionals and key leaders.

What makes Misericordia’s Political Science program stand out

Political Science offers course and extra-curricular activities that combine the traditions of liberal arts and vocational training. We hone students’ research and writing skills as they explore career paths in classes, internships, and on-campus symposiums. The program integrates learning through partners with non-profits, government agencies, political campaigns, and other community actors. Other schools often approach political science from a liberal arts method and consider an internship requirement sufficient career preparation.

Job opportunities for a Political Science degree

Federal/State/Local Government
Law and Legal Services
Law Enforcement
Homeland Security
National Security
Nonprofit Management
Consulting/Contracting
Foster Care/Health Care/Education
Social Welfare Policy
Political Campaigns and Offices
Graduate Degrees: Law and Political Science

Student professional opportunities experienced

Faculty-Directed Research
Study-Abroad Programs
Peace Corps
Summer Research Fellowships (SURF) at Misericordia University
Washington Semester Program at American University (Washington, DC)

Law and Security Oriented Internships

• U.S. Marshalls

• New Jersey State Police

• Luzerne County Pennsylvania sheriff and judicial system

Public Policy Oriented Internships

• The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development

• Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

• The Commission on Economic Opportunity

• Luzerne Country Government

Career Oriented On-Campus Panels recently held

FBI, SWAT, Campaign Management, Graduate School, Detective, and the Nonprofit Sector

Alumni outcomes (Political Science formerly GLNS)

Pennsylvania Governor’s Office
U.S. Congress (campaign official/election manager)
Local Police in New Jersey
Social Security Administration
Pennsylvania State Police
U.S. Navy
Defense Contractor in Washington D.C.
Non-Profit Agencies
New America Foundation Think Tank

Internship Opportunities

Career Preparation

Small Class Sizes

Political Science Opportunities

Yellow Ribbon Program

Are you a veteran or a dependent of a veteran? If so, you might be interested in MU's Yellow Ribbon Program. Click the icon below for more information.

Check Out Our Alumni

Community Realized

Alexandra Zielinski

The GLNS program at Misericordia offers many unique and diverse course options, which has allowed me to explore my different career interests in this field.

Michael Podskoch

The GLNS program has been very helpful in my path to becoming a lawyer. My internship at the Luzerne County Courthouse also helped guide my decision to pursue a career in law.

Ann Kaufman

I credit much of my success to my time at Misericordia University. The Government, Law, and National Security program has top-notch faculty who supported my interests and challenged me. I am reminded daily of the positive impact Misericordia has had on my career.

Meet a Student

Alumni Podcast - Christelle Patrice '13

Check out this Alumni Podcast with 2013 GLNS alumna, Christelle Patrice, and learn about her job as a Forensic Interviewer with the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center. You will also hear about her time as an Americor volunteer in California and her commitment to service that was fostered by Misericordia.