Bachelor of Arts Degree
Political Science with Specialization in Courts, Justice and Politics
Our political science degree combines rigorous academics with focused professional development.
The courts, justice and politics specialization of Oakland University’s political science degree offers practical, affordable preparation for careers in law, government, policy analysis, reform advocacy and other professions related to political science. With small class sizes and extremely well-qualified faculty, our political science degree features outstanding academic training and advanced opportunities for undergraduate research. You’ll also have extensive opportunities to gain hands-on experience in legislatures, courts, advocacy organizations and other real-world settings. Whether you’re bound for the workforce, law school, a graduate political science degree or another career destination, our political science major gives you a competitive edge that can translate into professional success.
The courts, justice and politics specialization of Oakland University’s political science degree offers practical, affordable preparation for careers in law, government, policy analysis, reform advocacy and other professions related to political science. With small class sizes and extremely well-qualified faculty, our political science degree features outstanding academic training and advanced opportunities for undergraduate research. You’ll also have extensive opportunities to gain hands-on experience in legislatures, courts, advocacy organizations and other real-world settings. Whether you’re bound for the workforce, law school, a graduate political science degree or another career destination, our political science major gives you a competitive edge that can translate into professional success.
Political Science Degree: The Oakland University Advantage
Oakland University’s political science degree offers high-quality, career-focused instruction at a comparatively low cost. The institution’s long tradition of civic engagement adds significant value to our political science degree, enabling you to connect on campus and in the community with professionals who are active in the legal, judicial and political systems.
In addition, our political science program enables you to:
- Get immersed in real-world settings. You’ll enjoy superior opportunities to gain first-hand experience in our political science program. Most students complete at least one internship that closely aligns with their career goals, and we routinely send political science majors to the Michigan state legislature for summer work placements.
- Develop graduate-level research skills. Our political science majors routinely collaborate with faculty on research, often gaining co-authorship credit and presenting at academic conferences. This type of achievement makes a strong impression on your graduate school application or resume.
- Learn from high-caliber faculty. Oakland’s political science degree is led by accomplished scholars and practitioners, including many who’ve earned national recognition for their research. Several of our political science instructors hold law degrees, and our small class sizes ensure that you’ll get personal attention from every professor.
- Explore your career options. The political science degree’s flexible course requirements enable you to learn about various possible careers. Our political science majors have strong LSAT scores, and we also offer a special 3+3 option that saves you time and money on a law degree. The program also provides strong preparation for careers in nonprofit advocacy, public service, government administration, or policy analysis.
- Be part of a dynamic student community. The political science department is among the most active on campus. You’ll belong to a student population that won national recognition for high voter participation, with an honors society chapter that has repeatedly been recognized as the best in the country. In addition, our Center for Civic Engagement sponsors events and activities that engage the entire university and surrounding communities.
What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?
The courts, justice and politics specialization of Oakland’s political science degree offers excellent preparation for particular types of jobs in political science. Our graduates routinely go into the workforce in jobs related to public policy analysis, political advocacy, consulting, community organizing and other forms of civic involvement. Many go to law school, gaining admission to prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana and Georgetown. Others pursue graduate degrees in political science and prepare for academic careers.
At the same time, Oakland’s political science degree offers a broad liberal arts foundation that has value in almost every industry. You’ll enter the job market as an excellent writer, independent thinker, strong communicator and effective collaborator.
A partial list of employers who’ve hired recent graduates of Oakland’s political science program includes:
- U.S. Department of State
- Social Security Administration
- Office of Governor Rick Snyder
- City of Detroit
- City of Ferndale
- Rocket Fiber
- National Diversity Council
- AmeriCorps
- Peace Corps
- Americans for Prosperity
- JP Morgan Chase
- Kelly Services
- Fiat USA
- Quicken Loans
- Comerica Bank
- Oakland County Circuit Court
Political Science Major: What You’ll Learn
To earn the political science degree with specialization in courts, justice and politics, you’ll begin with an introductory course and a core cluster that covers data analysis, research processes, and world politics or comparative politics. The program includes required courses in political thought and law, plus a minimum of three elective courses. Political science electives focus on subjects such as:
- Congress and the legislative processes
- The judicial process
- Constitutional law
- Civil rights
- Gender discrimination
- International law
- Comparative / international politics
The political science degree culminates in an advanced seminar and capstone project that showcases your skills in research, writing and critical analysis.
Political Science Program Resources
Programs Related to the Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science
Not sure if the political science degree is right for you ? Check out these other undergraduate programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.