Political Science Degree (B.A.), Law, Interdisciplinary Option

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Political Science & Law B.A.: Preparing Tomorrow’s Legal and Policy Leaders

The Political Science, Law Interdisciplinary Option, B.A. at Westfield State University prepares students for careers in law, public policy, government, and related fields. This specialized undergraduate degree requires 39 credits, including core political science courses, an 18-credit law concentration, and targeted electives designed to deepen knowledge of constitutional law, civil liberties, courts, and legal systems.

Students gain a strong foundation in American government, political analysis, and political theory, combined with interdisciplinary coursework that supports legal studies. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, allowing students to earn up to 6 internship credits while gaining practical legal and political experience.

Ideal for those planning to attend law school or pursue graduate study in political science, this degree offers academic preparation and opportunities to apply skills in real-world settings. The Political Science Law Interdisciplinary option builds expertise for successful careers in law, government agencies, public administration, or nonprofit sectors.

Program Highlights

  • Build real-world skills through credit-earning internships
  • Broaden your legal perspective with diverse electives
  • Get personalized guidance from expert faculty
  • Prepare for law school, public service, and beyond

Make Your Mark in Law and Public Policy

Start building the knowledge, experience, and connections you need for a successful future in legal and political fields.

Shape Your Legal Future with a Personalized, Experience-Driven Education

  • Two students listening intently during a classroom lecture.

    Build a Strong Legal Foundation

    Gain a deep understanding of the American legal system through courses in constitutional law, civil liberties, and the U.S. Supreme Court. This concentration equips you with the analytical skills and legal knowledge essential for success in law school or careers in public service, government, or advocacy.

  • Student speaking with an employer at a career fair.

    Learn by Doing with Real-World Experience

    Take your education beyond the classroom with internship opportunities that let you apply what you learn in real legal and political settings. Whether you intern locally or participate in the Washington Internship Program, you can earn academic credit while building your resume and professional network.

  • Student Government member smiling while having a conversation with a fellow student.

    Create a Degree That Fits Your Goals

    Customize your academic path with interdisciplinary electives in criminal justice, business law, communication, environmental legislation, and more. With flexible course options and faculty support, you’ll graduate with a degree that aligns with your passions and career ambitions.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes
  • Students will demonstrate critical political thinking, reading, writing and speaking skills.
  • Students will identify and articulate an ideological stance.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative political research of others, and conduct their own political research.

What Can You Do With a Political Science, Law, Interdisciplinary Option, B.A.?

A Political Science, Law, Interdisciplinary Option, B.A. opens the door to a wide range of careers and advanced study paths. Here are some of the most common opportunities:

  • Lawyer or Legal Assistant (with further education)
  • Policy Analyst
  • Legislative Aide
  • Government Affairs Specialist
  • Public Administrator
  • Advocate or Lobbyist
  • Judicial Clerk
  • Nonprofit Program Manager
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Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Requirements for the Political Science Major

39 total credits are required to fulfill this major's requirements, as defined below:

  • 12 credits of Political Science Core courses 
  • 12 credits within the chosen concentration
  • 15 credits of additional Political Science electives

Students pursuing the Interdisciplinary Options for Law and International Studies concentrations should expect to complete 18 credits within their concentration, and 9 credits of elective coursework.

Students transferring in coursework from other schools must complete a minimum of 18 credits in Political Science at Westfield State University.

The Department of Political Science encourages students to participate in internships. Students may apply up to 6 Internship credits toward the 39 credit major.

  • 3 of these Internship credits may be applied to the concentration.
  • Up to 3 of these Internship credits may be applied toward the 18-credit minor.

For details about Political Science Internship credits, please click here to view the department's Internship manual, or contact the department.

Required Major Core Courses (12 credits)

Required Electives (9-15 credits)

Students must complete 15 credits of additional Political Science coursework.

Students pursuing the Interdisciplinary Options for Law or International Studies concentrations should expect to complete 9 credits in this area.

Law, Interdisciplinary Option Concentration (18 credits)

Required Law Concentration Courses (12 credits)

This concentration is ideal for students interested in preparing for law school and related legal careers, as well as graduate study in Political Science with a focus on public law.

Choose four courses (or a total of 12 credits) from below:

Additional Courses (6 credits)

In addition to the 12 credits chosen from above, choose two additional courses (6 credits) from the list below to reach a total of 18 credits:

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 92%+

    of faculty hold doctorates

  • 700+

    internship opportunities

  • Study abroad

    in 35+ countries 

Learn from Experienced Faculty in Small Classes

Students in Westfield State University’s political science major program are led by a group of accomplished faculty with diverse backgrounds in law, public administration, international relations, political theory, and more. Each faculty member is dedicated to keeping up to date with current trends in the discipline through active participation in professional development, publication, and conference attendance and presentations. And, with small class sizes, students in the Political Science BA program will be able to interact closely with and learn from these experienced faculty. 

Faculty directory 

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Earn Two Degrees in Less Time

Westfield State University offers an Early Entry Master of Public Administration, Policy, and Civic Engagement program for outstanding undergraduates. Earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just 5 years! Enroll in graduate-level courses during your senior year, with 6 credits counting toward both degrees. Develop essential skills in Public Administration and choose from concentrations like Criminal Justice Administration, Nonprofit Management, and Public Management. Become a leader in government and non-profit organizations with an MPA from WSU.

The Political Science Department also offers pre-law advising for those interested in attending law school. One of our department’s faculty serves as advisor to Westfield States’ 3+3 program with UMass Law School. Once enrolled in this program, students may complete a BA and JD degrees in six years, instead of seven years needed when following a regular path of college and law school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).   

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university. 

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Political Science Degree (B.A.), Law, Interdisciplinary Option