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.
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.
Learning Experience:
Campus
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
Undergraduate Political Science Program Details
Build a foundation in the principles and processes of American national government, international relations, classical political philosophy, legal theory and Constitutional law. Develop your global leadership skills—Saint Leo offers Spanish, French and German language labs, and international studies, including courses in the modern Middle East.
Participate in Saint Leo's Student Government, Campus Activities Board and Model UN. Write op-eds for The Lions' Pride student newspaper. Take advantage of internship opportunities in Tampa, Washington, D.C., and the world. Deliver policy papers on real issues affecting your community—and present your concerns to members of the Florida State Legislature. Volunteer at a CNN-aired presidential debate.
Saint Leo prepares you for a future in the public or private sector, or academia, with a career preparation course specially designed for Political Science and History students.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
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What are the benefits of earning your political science degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering political science degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
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.
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How will you gain real experience?
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.
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.
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 Honors Society. Attend debate/election night parties, participate in debates, host movie nights, and meet politicians and judges that visit campus.
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
College of Arts & Sciences
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The College of Arts and Sciences 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.
Student Stories
"Saint Leo's Creative Writing MA program helped me immensely as a reader and a writer. Learning to read not only what is in a story, but paying careful attention to how it's written, is just one of the memorable gifts I received from this program's helpful faculty and encouraging environment."
Janna Correa, (Fiction, 2022)
This program allows growth as a writer and as a person. The experience was absurdly personal. Absurd because of the organic evolution fostered by its leadership and absurd because of the personal touches from the instructors. Why expect that? St. Leo is invested in its students. You get more than you bargained for.
Jimmy Sutman, (Poetry, 2022)
It can be intimidating to go back to school after decades of being in the workforce. But as a non-traditional student, I felt nothing but a warm welcome from Saint Leo faculty and my classmates. I started my first semester at another university and wasn't happy. I transferred to Saint Leo and learned more than I could have ever imagined in this program. Best decision I ever made. Thanks to my studies there, I'm getting ready to release my first book at the end of this year!
Lisa Moody, (Nonfiction, 2021)
Being a part of the Creative Writing program at Saint Leo was the right choice for me, as it allowed me to pursue my degree from another state while also working a full-time job. I was still able to have the invaluable experience of connecting with a group of like-minded writers through the in-person residency, and I still maintain those relationships today. Through your coursework in this program, you will both read and write quality work and have constant support and encouragement from professors who really do care about your future as a writer.
Susan Abercrombie, (Nonfiction, 2021)
I enjoyed the close-knit literary community that Saint Leo University provided in the Creative Writing Nonfiction program. The instructors are a very experienced, passionate, and supportive group. I am a confident and better writer because of the workshops, the effective and inspiring feedback from faculty, and peer support.
Tisha Arther, (Nonfiction, 2022)
When I started the MA in Creative Writing at Saint Leo University, I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know if I would be able to fit into the program. After I left my first day of residency, I never questioned the absolute certainty that I had finally found where I belonged as a writer. The faculty were knowledgeable and encouraging, my peers were talented and welcoming, and the university offered an experience catered to my success. Participating in this program absolutely changed the trajectory of my life - as both a student and educator.
Danielle Knight, (Fiction, 2020)
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
