Political Science

Explore the power relationships, institutional arrangements, social-economic conditions and ideological commitments that shape public policy, political action and public argument in a diverse and globally interdependent society.

Explore worldwide power dynamics and engage with democratic citizenship.

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Political science is a dynamic field of study that explores dimensions of power and the ways in which governmental systems shape and reflect ideas, norms, institutions, cultures and political behavior.

A commitment to engaged democratic citizenship—locally, nationally, globally—is core to the mission of our program. A majority of students engage in long or short-term study abroad experiences and/or a wide variety of internships—volunteering for political campaigns, interning in legal offices and courts of law or working for nonprofit organizations on issues such as immigration, reproductive rights and educational equality.

The program equips students with research concepts, theories and methods and tangible leadership qualities required for effective engagement in a globalized, interdependent world. All students undertake independent research in close mentoring relationships with program faculty.

OUR STUDENTS

Meet Noah Halterman-Mitchell ’24

The political science major and Spanish minor discusses how studying abroad and participating in the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion have already made big impacts on his Muhlenberg experience.

A pair of student stand close to one another, smiling, while tabling for the Muhlenberg Student Government Association on a sunny day.

Opportunities With Impact

Engage with the ideologies, processes and problems that define the political world. Whether your work is on campus or afar — at internships or while studying abroad — we’ll help you find connections between your experiences and your education.

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Our Faculty

Our faculty are nationally recognized in the discipline of political science, hailing from diverse teaching and research interests with unmatched commitment to professional and college service.

Lanethea Mathews-Schultz, professor of political science, teaches a class.

Our Curriculum

Our classes explore the most critical questions facing the contemporary world through student-focused inquiry.

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Life After Muhlenberg

Muhlenberg political science graduates have gone on to make a difference within a wide variety of careers. Learn about where a Muhlenberg education can take you.

News

What's Happening in Political Science

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and glasses smiles while standing on a riverbank, a large Buddhist monastery in the distance.

Sam White '23 Receives Fulbright Award

White, a political science and sustainability studies double major, will spend 10 months teaching English in Mongolia.

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538 Gives MCIPO Top Ranking

The Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion again ranked among top pollsters in the nation by the poll analysis website 538.

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Building Resilience in Urban Centers

Brigid Deegan ’19 is promoting smarter surfaces to lower urban temperatures and reduce flooding risks in her role with the National League of Cities.

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Scholars At Risk Seminar

This hands-on experience allowed students the chance to fight the erosion of academic freedom.

POLITICAL SCIENCE AT MUHLENBERG

From The Source

An adult woman in a floral pattern sleeveless blouse stands smiling on a leafy city street.
A man in a suit and glasses smiles while sitting at a table in front of a large painting.
A woman in a black pantsuit stands outside, leaning on a white fence, and smiles at the camera
An adult man in a blazer smiles softly at the camera inside a building with a sign that reads
A young Black man with glasses wears a light blue dress shirt and grins widely outdoors.

“I get to see very tangibly the work that I’m doing and interact with the people I’m serving. Local work is special and unique in that way.” — Karissa Minnich '12 , Civic Design Manager at The Lab @ DC Read Minnich's Story

“The department — particularly its professors — were the best thing to happen in my career. They were caring, deeply knowledgeable and challenging.” — Mike Schlossberg ’05 , Pennsylvania State Representative of the 132nd District Meet the Political Science Faculty

“I’ve spent time in a lot of different environments professionally. I have experience that I think is valuable to younger employees trying to figure things out” — Reneé Garrick ’12 , Prelaw Political Science Major Read Garrick's Story

“At Muhlenberg, I learned how to consolidate my activism and be a more effective activist.” — Adrian Shanker ’09 , Senior Advisor LGBTQI+ Health Equity for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Read Shanker's Story

“I know that while I may be the first Black student body president, I will not be the last.” — Zaire Carter ’22 , State Scheduler and Assistant to the State Director for N.J. Sen. Cory Booker Read Carter's Story

NEWS AT MUHLENBERG

Contact Information

Brian Mello

Professor of Political Science, Department Chair
Email [email protected] Telephone 484-664-3469
Address Muhlenberg College Political Science Ettinger Hall 2400 Chew Street Allentown, PA 18104