Why Choose Nazareth for Political Science?

What does it take to win an election? Why is U.S. health care policy different from that of other countries? What role does the internet play in political movements? Is war sometimes necessary or can international conflicts be solved peacefully?

The political science degree program at Nazareth University is the study of justice and power. Political scientists study power relationships the way economists study markets. With a focus on political philosophy, U.S. government, comparative politics, and international relations, our program helps you become an informed citizen and prepares you for careers in politics, public service, and law.

Courses examine campaigns and elections, civil rights, public policy, and international politics. Explore the pros and cons of various political theories, the impact of American foreign policy on the global community, and the complexities of the legislative process.

Through required internships in places such as Washington, D.C., Albany, and Rochester, you'll experience the world of politics firsthand. Pre-law students have the option to work in the local district attorney's office and private law firms as well.

Program Highlights

  • Gain global perspective through study abroad. Past trips include a summer program in Ukraine guided by a Nazareth political science professor.
  • Political science majors develop essential skills for understanding primary texts, applying theories to new situations, building arguments, and analyzing political processes.
  • Small classes and individual attention from faculty.
  • Experiential learning with internships and independent study projects.
  • Emphasis on research, writing, oral presentation, and critical thinking.
  • Methodologies include historical, philosophical, and behavioral approaches.
  • A solid general knowledge foundation gives political science majors the flexibility to enter a broad range of careers such as law, government service, politics, journalism, and education.
  • Political science majors may go on for an accelerated, discounted law school degree through Nazareth's 3+3 B.A. to J.D. partnership with Syracuse University or University at Buffalo.
Greg Hyde '07, political science major at Nazareth College Rochester NY

Alumni Spotlight

Greg Hyde '07

"What I appreciated the most about the political science program at Nazareth is I could tell from day one that I would be spending my time with people who were invested in my development as a person. I really loved taking classes with Dr. Timothy Kneeland (and others). Their passion for politics was contagious," says Hyde, who became a lawyer.

Read a student interview with Hyde about his Naz experience, his law office on Wall Street, and his weekly ESPN wrestling podcast.

3+3 Law Degree

Interested in a law degree or a career in law? Save time and money through Nazareth's partnerships with Syracuse University College of Law and University at Buffalo School of Law..

Example Careers/Outcomes

  • Congressional aide
  • Election supervisor
  • Correspondent/journalist
  • Urban planner
  • Lobbyist
  • Campaign manager
  • Attorney
  • Research assistant
  • State Department/Foreign Service
  • Intelligence

Internships/Field Experiences

  • Semester internship in Washington, D.C. or Albany
  • Internships at private law firms and the Monroe County District Attorney and Public Defender’s offices
  • New York State Attorney General for Consumer Affairs
  • Offices of the Mayor of Rochester, members of the House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate

Graduate School/Employers

  • Cornell University
  • Syracuse University
  • The Honorable Rep. Louise Slaughter (D—NY)
  • Monroe County Democratic and Republican parties
  • Americorps
  • New York State Assembly