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.

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.

 

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Our Curriculum

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

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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.

Passion and Persistence

Community Impact

The founder of Allentown’s Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, Adrian Shanker ’09, continues to work to make the unmet dream of health equity for the LGBTQ community a reality in his new role at the Bay Area’s Spahr Center.

News

What's Happening in Political Science

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Politics in Action

The first debate for the Pennsylvania Democratic candidates was broadcast and held on campus in front of a live audience.

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Mock Trial Takes National Stage

In only its second year, Muhlenberg's squad advanced to the second round of the American Mock Trial Association's annual national tournament.

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A Campaign to Remember

Aaron Zucker ’18 worked as a field organizer for the presidential campaign of Sen. Kamala Harris, who later became the Joe Biden's running mate.

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The Polling Place

The renowned Institute of Public Opinion gives students hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing data that shape political discourse and civic action.

Logo In their words

I know that while I may be the first Black student body president, I will not be the last.

I love local elections. Here, for this state race, I got to have so much creative control over so many things.

I think of people I know who work in the community and how getting that information to the people I know can literally reach thousands.

You can learn about the government in a classroom, but there really was something that could only be understood having worked there.

Zaire Carter '22
Maddy Vaver '20
Maye-Gan Brown '20
Ali Watson '20

NEWS AT MUHLENBERG