Understand how power works, then put that knowledge to use. Florida Southern's BA and BS in Political Science study government at every level and back it with a required internship in a campaign, agency, or law firm, plus hands-on work in the Center for Polling and Policy Research and the option of a semester in Washington, D.C.
Politics affects the quality of the air we breathe, the schools we can attend, the jobs we perform, the communities we live in, and our taxes. You can play a role in the decisions that impact every aspect of our lives.
Florida Southern College's BA and BS in Political Science focus on the acquisition of analytical skills and encourages independent thought — providing an ideal background for students who intend to enter careers in policy analysis, government service, elected office, business, and law. You will study governing systems, political development, and political theory at the local, state, national, and international levels, graduating with the critical thinking, public speaking, analytical writing, and research skills that employers across every sector value.
Examine pressing issues affecting your city, state, and country. Study American politics and international relations. Present your original research at national conferences. Complete a required internship with a government agency, political campaign, or law firm. Political Science at FSC is not a passive experience — it is preparation for a lifetime of civic engagement and professional impact.
All freshman applicants to Florida Southern Colleges full-time degree programs must submit the following information:
Applying to Florida Southern as a transfer student is easy. Submit:
If transferring fewer than 24 credits, also include your official high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores.
Learn More about transfer admissionsFSC's Political Science curriculum is intentionally broad at the undergraduate level, exposing students to American politics, international relations, and public administration rather than encouraging early specialization. Courses combine political theory, policy analysis, political development, and research methods with an interdisciplinary approach that draws on history, communications, and philosophy — ensuring graduates emerge with a well-rounded education and the skills to succeed across a wide range of careers.
All 3000-level courses involve a major research project, giving every Political Science major substantive original research experience before graduation.
Progress Requirements: Students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in the major and either have an instructor's permission or have completed 18 hours of political science courses to register for the internship.
Core areas of study include:
Political Science students at FSC are part of an engaged, civically active community. Get involved with Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, or participate in the Student Advisory Board, which gives majors direct input into how the program is shaped. Many Political Science majors are also active in College Democrats and College Republicans, and all students are responsible for organizing Constitution Day each fall.
Florida Southern College is one of the few private colleges in the state of Florida to partner with The Washington Center. This exclusive partnership gives Political Science majors the opportunity to spend a semester in Washington, D.C., developing a deeper understanding of politics, economics, and social justice in a national and global context — earning credit toward their major while gaining the kind of access and experience that transforms careers.
FSC's on-campus Center for Polling and Policy Research gives Political Science students direct involvement in the political process. Working alongside faculty, students assist in collecting data, help gauge public opinion, and engage with political campaigns — putting the analytical skills developed in the classroom to work on real questions with real implications.
Open to majors of all disciplines, FSC's Pre-Law Minor provides exceptional preparation for students planning to apply to law school. Participants complete the pre-law minor covering the U.S. judicial system, logic, and oral presentation; conduct multiple internships at local law firms and the public defender's and state's attorney's offices; and prepare for the LSAT. Throughout the process, students are mentored by local legal practitioners, the faculty of the department, and professionals from the legal community.
Political Science is one of the most versatile degrees in the liberal arts, developing the analytical, communication, and research skills that employers value across government, law, business, and the nonprofit sector. Within six months of graduating, 98.6% of FSC students are employed or in graduate school.
FSC Political Science graduates have gone on to hold positions in the Office of the Governor, the Republican Party of Florida, the U.S. Army, and organizations like the American Cancer Society, as well as pursuing advanced degrees and careers in law and public policy.
Political Science majors (particularly with the Public Administration minor or the 4+1 program for the Master's in Public Administration) are natural candidates for careers in federal, state, and local government. FSC graduates have worked in the Office of the Governor and with federal, city, county, and state agencies, building careers in policy analysis, public administration, and legislative affairs.
Many Political Science majors use their degree as a foundation for law school. The analytical reasoning, research skills, and writing proficiency developed through the program — combined with FSC's Pre-Law Minor and internship opportunities at law firms, public defender offices, and state attorney offices — make FSC graduates exceptionally competitive law school applicants.
FSC graduates run political campaigns, work for party organizations, and build careers in political strategy and communications. The hands-on experience available through the Washington Center, the Center for Polling and Policy Research, and required internships provides the real-world foundation these careers demand.
The critical thinking, policy analysis, and communication skills developed through Political Science translate directly into leadership roles at nonprofits, advocacy groups, and social justice organizations. FSC graduates have gone on to work with organizations including the American Cancer Society and other mission-driven institutions.
Political Science is a strong foundation for graduate study in political science, international relations, public policy, law, and related fields. FSC's emphasis on original research — every 3000-level course involves a major research project — and conference presentation experience makes graduates competitive candidates for top graduate programs.
"Florida Southern's political science professors capitalize on the desire of students to make a difference. The professors empower students to not simply obtain a degree, but establish themselves in a career where making a difference is routine. Now, four years later, I leave the office every day knowing I did my part to tip the scales."
I examined speeches surrounding the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and how Senators utilized rhetorical tools to signal their position. The opportunity allowed me to dive deeper into a topic I'm passionate about while taking ownership of my education."
"Being in such a beautiful, small campus environment means it's booming with opportunities as well as with connections in the community. We bring in speakers from campaigns, as well as lawyers, judges, and law students, and so much more! It's very helpful for the students to get insight directly from the source."
"I love the energy and enthusiasm about the political science department and the field in general. I know it's where I want to see my career progress."
"I want to use my degree to pursue a career in corporate law and one day run for public office to give back."
From the halls of Congress to the Center for Polling and Policy Research on campus, FSC Political Science students are always in the work. Every internship, conference presentation, and research project builds the credentials and professional network you will carry into your career in government, law, policy, or public service.
"My goal is to demonstrate that few questions in international politics have settled answers. As such, I seek to create a classroom atmosphere that encourages critical thinking and the active exchange of ideas; I do not want students arriving at class in a passive mode, expecting that I will provide them with an authoritative 'correct' answer."
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Read the latest from FSC's Political Science department, from student research presentations and Washington Center placements to faculty publications and guest speaker events.
At FSC, you are the focus. Our team loves connecting with prospective students to answer questions about the BA and BS in Political Science and explore how the program can be a fit for your goals.
Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay Jr. Chair in American History, Government, and Civics
The decisions that shape our world are made by people who understand politics, policy, and power. Take your next step toward a BA or BS in Political Science at Florida Southern College.
