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.

Registration and Education

Engaged Campus

Muhlenberg’s student voter participation rates in recent elections have been higher than those of most peer institutions. Ahead of this midterm election, students, staff and faculty worked hard to ensure that this trend continues.

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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Campaign Work 101

Molly Levine '24 is taking part in the six-week Democracy Summer program while also working on the campaign to reelect Congresswoman Madeleine Dean.

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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.

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 wanted to be active and engaged, and I knew with something like homicide, that it would be pretty interesting.

Zaire Carter '22
Maddy Vaver '20
Max May '23

NEWS AT MUHLENBERG

  • 2400 Chew: Garrett Orr '10

    In this episode of the 2400 Chew podcast, Chiquita Griffin, director of employer and alumni engagement at Muhlenberg's Career Center, speaks with Garrett Orr '10, human services analyst with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

  • From Lead Up to Wrap Up

    From September through November, the expertise of Christopher Borick, professor of political science and director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO), as well as his polling data for the 2022 Pennsylvania midterm elections was in big demand.

Contact Information

Brian Mello

Professor of Political Science, Department Chair
Email brianmello@muhlenberg.edu Telephone 484-664-3469
Address Muhlenberg College Political Science Ettinger Hall 2400 Chew Street Allentown, PA 18104