Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

With a degree in political science from Alvernia, you will be poised for a variety of exciting careers. Some students pursue careers in government service in Washington, D.C. Others work in state government or run for office, work on campaigns, or work for elected officials on Capitol Hill. Political science majors at Alvernia have gone into careers in:

• International Business
• Government Service at The Federal and State Levels
• Public Policy
• Journalism
• Political Activism
• Management
• Non-Profit Positions
• Teaching, Social Work Counseling
• Criminal Investigation and Policy Analysis
• Foreign Service
• International Aid
• Defense Analysis
• Interpreter

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, political scientists usually need at least a master’s degree in political science, public administration, or a related field. Employment in this position is expected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032. The median salary for a political scientist is $128,000 in May 2022.

• Political science majors are encouraged to take a double major or one or two minors.
• Majors commonly do an internship for one semester or during the summer in their junior or senior year.
• Majors who are part of the Honors Program fulfill at least 3 of the or core or major requirements with Honors courses; they also must take 6-credits worth of thesis.
• Majors may study abroad. 

Through internships, students have opportunities to apply theories and knowledge learned in the classroom in a variety of professional settings. In addition to providing exposure to the activities and expectations of a real-world workplace, internship experiences help students develop their network of professional contacts. Internships are available for Alvernia students with officials at all levels of government, including elected local, state, and federal representatives. Students can also intern in any of the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial, depending on their interests and career goals. The Washington Center provides opportunities to do a full-time internship in Washington, D.C.

Political Science students have the opportunity to participate in Alvernia’s partnership with The Washington Center, spending a semester or the summer at an internship in the nation’s capital. Alvernia sponsors student participation in political seminars hosted through the Washington Center in January and the summer months around such subjects as the National Conventions and the Presidential Inauguration. Alvernia Political Science students can study abroad and also take advantage of many opportunities for internships with local politicians and community organizations.

Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Political Science Club (POSCI)

The Political Science Club supports the university's mission statement by expanding student's knowledge of and participation in politics at the state, local, and national levels. We are committed to raising political awareness and serving the community. The POSCI members meet to discuss political issues and events, to host or see speakers, and to become actively involved in debates, including Mock Trials and Model United Nations. Membership is open to anyone at Alvernia interested in politics in politics or political issues.
 

Mock Trial & Model United Nations

Alvernia’s mock trial team participates in intercollegiate competitions. Participating students gain confidence with public speaking and also enhance skills of legal reasoning and debate. Alvernia also has sponsored teams to participate in intercollegiate Model United Nations, representing countries such as Pakistan, Mali, and Peru, learning about international relations, the United Nations system, and pressing global issues.