Political Science

The Political Science (formerly Government, Law, and National Security) 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 to enter government service and the private sector performing public administration and policy jobs related to security, the law, and public policy. Courses examine and evaluate the means to address threats to security, engage the policy making process, provide efficient administration of public resources, and render a legal system that upholds public safety and sound public administration. Courses equip graduates with a solid academic foundation for entry-level career employment in broad areas of criminal justice, homeland and national security, government service, the law and legal services, campaigns and elections, non-profit administration and management, and political affairs in the private sector. In addition, the Political Science program will prepare students for graduate study in law, government, non-profit administration and public policy, political science, and national security studies. The Political Science program offers internships, career planning exercises, and study away options, all of which introduce students to specific careers and key government officials, security experts, and law enforcement officers.

What makes Misericordia’s Political Science program stand out from all the rest:

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

Job opportunities for a Political Science degree include the following fields:

• 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
• Students have gone onto pursue Graduate Degrees in: Law and Political Science

Student professional opportunities experienced in:

• 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

Political Science (formerly GLNS) alumni have obtained employment at:

• 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