At Vermont State University, the Political Science degree program centers on the study of politics, government, power, law, public policies, and political behavior. Our faculty focus on civic engagement to help you develop leadership skills and prepare you for a future career in political science fields. The program is designed to meet the requirements for a variety of career paths. These include public service, business, nonprofit, law, secondary education licensure, and more. As a student, you design your course of study with personal help from an advisor, and we help you develop the tools to become a leader.
Why Study Political Science at Vermont State?
- Teacher track: Students who earn a B.A. in Political Science at Vermont State are eligible to pursue endorsement for secondary education teacher licensure.
- Experiential learning: Outside of the classroom, experiential learning is encouraged through internships, travel opportunities, semesters abroad, Model UN, and field trips embedded in courses.
- Focus on real data: Our Social and Opinion Research Lab (SORL) provides an opportunity for you to work with real data. You can gain hands-on, real-world experience in planning, conducting, and reporting on a real social science issue for one of our client organizations.
- Research skills development: In the program, you develop research skills and complete your own original research in your senior thesis or a capstone experience.
- Flexible career paths: Whether you’d like to be a diplomat, elected official, legislative researcher, nonprofit leader, program evaluator, campaign manager, pollster, lawyer, teacher, or professor, this program offers excellent preparation.
Financial Aid for Political Science Students
Vermont State University is providing a high-quality, affordable degree in Political Science to students across Vermont and beyond. More than 80 percent of Vermont State students are awarded financial aid.
Internships & Jobs in Political Science
We prepare students for work in government, law school, and graduate study. We offer several opportunities for you to gain practical skills in political science through internships, capstone experiences, and more.
Vermont State University students in the Political Science program have:
- Held a wide range of roles in the Vermont State House, including Aide to the Senator, Internship Organizer, Legislative Assistant, Committee Attendant, Caucus intern, and Senator Administrative Assistant.
- Interned at Vermont Democratic Party Headquarters and Woodstock Area Flood Relief Fund.
- Served as legislative interns with Vermont State Employees Association (VSEA).
- Worked in the role of Legal Division Assistant with the State of Vermont Department of Labor.
Accelerated Track with Vermont Law School
Our 3+2 program with Vermont Law School allows you to earn a J.D. in five years after starting your undergraduate work and save a full year of tuition in the process. To learn more, contact our Admissions team at Admissions@VermontState.edu.
Minors Available in the Political Science Program
Interested in adding a minor to your degree program? See minors available in the Political Science program below.
- Gender Studies
- Global Studies
- Political Science
- Pre-Law
Student Stories
“As a first-generation college student with the intention of going to law school, I wanted to get a bang for my buck.”
Maria Brosseau ’20
“The program was a great experience that showed me the hard work that goes into politics, and allowed me to meet with many community members.”
Vanessa Robertson ’17
“My professors know me. That’s something I wanted in a college.”
Sara Ford ’20
