Legal Studies: Political Science

Bachelor of Science

120 Credits
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dobbs Ferry

Academics
Programs & Degrees
Legal Studies: Political Science

Legal Studies: Political Science Overview

Are you interested in politics, the law, business, or government? Then Mercy College’s four-year Legal Studies with a Specialization in Political Science Program is for you. Leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, the program is for students interested in law school, or a career in politics and public administration, or in pursuing a graduate degree.

You’ll develop analytical, writing and oral advocacy skills and will be introduced to the skills necessary to resolve conflict such as: mediation, negotiation and arbitration.

Please note that this Specialization does not prepare students for a career as a Paralegal and that the Specialization in Political Science is not approved by the American Bar Association. If you are interested in becoming a Paralegal please view our Paralegal specialization page.

Career Opportunities

Positions in politics and government are the most typical choices for political science graduates, in addition to law-related careers. You could also use your political science specialization as a springboard into any number of nonpolitical, nongovernmental fields as well, from business to the media.

Career fields include:

campaign management
conflict management
diplomacy
government services
interest representation (lobbying)
international affairs
law
media
non-profits/non-governmental (NGOs) advocacy
public advocacy

The Mercy Advantage

Learn by participating in community service opportunities

Preparation for law school or other graduate degrees

Learn from faculty with practical experience in their fields

Internship opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge in the field

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does earning a degree take?

Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.

Are department faculty available for academic advising?

Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships.

Why should I major in Legal Studies with a Specialization in Political Science?

The Legal Studies major with a Specialization in Political Science is for students interested in government or attending law school. The program is designed to help students develop the oral communication, writing and critical thinking skills needed to be successful in government and in the legal community.

Am I eligible for induction into an honor society?

Yes. With 75 degree credits and 21 major credits (and overall GPA at least 3.3, major GPA 3.4), you are eligible for induction into Pi Gamma Mu, the National Honor Society for the Social Sciences.

Do you offer the program online?

While some courses are offered online, the entire program is not available online.

Do you have an internship program?

Yes, students are afforded the opportunity to intern.

Program Details & Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

General Liberal Arts and Sciences

General Education Requirements: 60 Credits

Major Concentration
Legal Studies: 36 Credits
Open Electives: 24 Credits

Total: 120 Credits

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.

Program Outcomes

By the end of this program, students should be able to:

Identify and explain both federal and state governments and their respective court systems
Conduct research which effectively integrates primary source material
Critically analyze and interpret the law; evaluate the legal arguments
Apply ethical concepts to legal and political situations
Demonstrate analytical writing, oral communication and advocacy skills

Academic Program Sequence Map

Download a copy of the sequence map for: