Why Earn Your Political Science Degree at Saint Leo University?
Are you curious about whether or not voting really matters, or about how the legal system really works? Are you interested in the Presidential campaigns, international events, terrorism or other global events? Are you eager to play a bigger role in local, state or federal government? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, prepare for a career serving the public with a Saint Leo Political Science degree.
Where Future Leaders Learn to Lead
Through civic engagement, internships, public affairs events, faculty mentorship, and leadership opportunities, Saint Leo Political Science students prepare for careers in law, government, diplomacy, public policy, and public service.
This program is offered:
Campus
The major in political science is designed as preparation for graduate or legal study, for a career in politics or public service, or as part of a general liberal arts education.
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
Undergraduate Political Science Program Details
Political Science is designed for a generation that refuses to sit on the sidelines. If you find yourself deeply invested in global issues and motivated by the debates shaping our world, this program translates that passion into action. You will analyze the inner workings of governments, study global alliances like the UN and NATO, and master the strategies behind elections and public policy. For those aiming to lead in public service, international diplomacy, or governance, this major provides the tools to transform your drive into a high-impact career.
Why Political Science at Saint Leo?
Students develop classroom learning into real-world experience through leadership opportunities, public affairs events, internships, and service learning.
| Civic Engagement | Government in Action | Faculty Mentorship |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
-
![Saint Leo University students in Psychology classroom]()
Internships
Work with politicians in district offices or on local, state, or national campaigns on behalf of parties or candidates. Get hands on experience interning for prominent law offices in the Tampa Bay area. Work in Washington DC for Congress, interest groups, or bureaucratic agencies.
- Sen. Bill Nelson, Florida, US Senate, Washington, D.C.
- Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford, Tallahassee, FL
- Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Tallahassee, FL
- Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Tampa, FL
- U.S. State Department, Washington D.C.
- U.S. District Attorney, Tampa, FL
- Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, Tampa, FL
- Criminal Court Processing Center, Tampa, FL
-
How will you gain real experience?
Conferences
Present at local, state and national events focused on scholarship, leadership, and international relations.
Co-curricular activities
Become a member of our local branch of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science Honor Society. Attend debate/election night parties, participate in debates, host movie nights, and meet politicians and judges that visit campus.
Experiential Learning
Trips to Tallahassee to lobby for the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. Fellowships available to attend Council of Foreign Relations events. Attend Model UN activities with fellow political scientists. Take part in mock campaigns and debates.
What can you do with an undergraduate political science degree?
Saint Leo graduates pursue graduate or legal study, and go on to run for public office and to practice as lawyers. More than half of our students express an interest in post-graduate legal studies.
What are the top political science degree jobs?
- Attorney
- Lobbyist
- Policy Analyst
- City Planner
- Labor Relations Specialist
- High School Government Teacher
- Political Commentator
- Campaign Operative
- Public Opinion Analyst
- Immigration Officer
Where are Saint Leo political science graduates now?
- Carter & Clendenin Attorneys at Law
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Tampa City Council
- University of Florida College of Law
- Florida State University College of Law
- University of Miami School of Law
- Barry University School of Law
- Duke University
- Emory University
- University of Chicago
Get Involved!
Pi Sigma Alpha isn't just an honor society; it’s the ultimate campus hub for political culture. Think live-streamed mock
presidential debates, packed film viewings, voter registration drives that actually move the needle, and panel discussions featuring real-world candidates and guest speakers. It's where theory meets the real world.
Every September, we host Constitution Day to connect foundational history with modern political realities. This event brings together a panel of seasoned experts to analyze the blueprint designed by the 39 original delegates on September 17, 1787, and place it directly into today's context. Rather than treating the Constitution as a static document, our panelists break down how its original rules of law, limits on government power, and civil rights actively shape, challenge, and intersect with the defining headlines of the modern era.
Learn More about the Political Science Major
Want to learn more about the Political Science Major - Pi Sigma Alpha, internship opportunities, or career political advice?
Contact:
Mr. Frank Orlando at francis.orlando@saintleo.edu
Dr. Marco Rimanelli at marco.rimanelli@saintleo.edu
Dr. Austin Trantham at austin.trantham@saintleo.edu
Other Opportunities for Political Science Majors
| American Politics Minor (18 credits) | Legal Studies Minor (18 credits) | World Politics Minor (18 credits) |
|---|---|---|
| The American Politics Minor allows students to augment the study of their majors through focused study of American political history and the American political system. | This program is designed to guide the visual learner to a career path in the legal profession or law school. | World Politics Minor (18 credits)The World Politics Minor allows students who register for it to learn about international structures and cross-disciplinary affairs, government, international business, and journalism. |
Meet our Faculty
-
![Dr. Austin Trantham]()
Austin Trantham
-
![Marco Rimanelli]()
Dr. Marco Rimanelli, Ph.D.
-
![Frank Orlando]()
Mr. Francis Orlando, M.A.
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
-
![Saint Leo University - Kirk Hall]()
-
The College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services at Saint Leo University offers students a broad education that lays a durable foundation for critical and independent thinking. The essential spirit of the liberal arts is a cornerstone of the varied degree programs. From biology to English to sociology, students enjoy a nice selection of in-demand degree programs for all interests.
Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. Students travel to Europe through our cultural immersion courses, research unique plant species while trekking through the Peruvian Amazon, and attend film screenings and poetry readings. With highly experienced professors who bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom, students are prepared to work in a variety of rewarding fields. The College supports more than 30 degree programs across University Campus, education centers in five states, and online.
