Political Science - Albright College
Source: https://www.albright.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/political-science
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Political Science - Albright College
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Political Science
Solve problems in legal, public service, business, academia, nonprofit organizations — anywhere across the globe.
The goal of Albright’s Political Science program is to cultivate in you the knowledge and responsibility to be a leader in a democratic polity and an informed citizen in an international society.
About the Program
We provide a curriculum that is appropriate, cohesive, contemporary and integrated into the liberal arts programs of the college. We encourage in you independence of scholarship on campus and experiential learning through internships and foreign study off campus. Our faculty are dedicated to innovative teaching, scholarly research and college governance. They hold impressive educational credentials from highly ranked graduate schools in the discipline. And our graduates are leaders in public, private and non-profit organizations.
Hands-On Learning
Students engage in internships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and civic institutions that enhance professional experience and community engagement. Many students also take advantage of study abroad or research opportunities to deepen their understanding of political systems worldwide.
Program Goals
Course Requirements
Opportunities
Faculty
KNOWLEDGE:
Introduce students to the principle facts, key theories, institutions, practices, and processes of major subfields within the discipline
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS:
Cultivate an appreciation and understanding of cultural and political diversity, world affairs, and global interconnectedness
CITIZENSHIP:
Promote an understanding of active, ethical, and responsible citizenship, and an understanding of the value questions inherent in politics
CRITICAL THINKING AND INFORMATION LITERACY:
Advance students’ capacity for critical thinking through the development of a base of methodological, research, and communication skills
Full Course Catalogue
Course Descriptions
Combined Major Requirements
POL 101 American Government (counts as General Studies Foundations Social Science)
POL 202 Introduction to International Relations
POL 205 Comparative Politics
POL 206 Political Inquiry
POL 315 Political Theory or POL314 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought
One approved Political Science senior-level seminar
Two additional advanced Political Science courses
Minor Requirements
POL 101, American Government
POL 202, International Relations, or POL 205, Comparative Politics
Any three additional Political Science courses
Study Abroad Experiences:
Students interested in comparative politics or international relations are encouraged to
study abroad
for at least a semester, providing immersive cultural and academic experiences.
Internships and Career Support
Students can connect with the
Career Development Center
to find internships. Many past interns have returned to the District to work on the Hill, in the federal bureaucracy, and with lobbying groups. The student receives Albright college credit for the internship.
Recent Washington Center placements include:
North American Association for Environmental Education
Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Office of the Federal Environmental Executive
NAACP
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)
Local internships are also available to students in the department. Recent examples of such internships are presented below:
City Council Office, City of Reading, Reading, Pa.
Juvenile Justice Department, Schuylkill County Courthouse
Law Department, City of Reading, Reading, Pa.
Office of the Prosecutor, Camden County, Camden, N.J.
City Clerk’s Office, City of Reading, Reading, Pa.
Richmond County Supreme Court, Staten Island, N.Y.
Bucks County Clerk of the Courts, Doylestown, Pa.
City Solicitor Office, City of Reading, Reading, Pa.
Stevens and Lee/Griffin Financial Group
ACRE Undergraduate Research
Students in any major can engage in interdisciplinary undergraduate research through the
Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE)
, partnering with faculty mentors to pursue independent research or creative projects and present their work beyond the classroom.
Hilary Aquino , Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Michael Armato , Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Political Science/Registrar
John Bougiamas
Adjunct Faculty
Alisa Hobart
Part-Time Faculty of Political Science
Jennifer Lukach Bradley
Part-Time Faculty of Political Science
Donald Smith
Part-Time Faculty of Political Science
Jordan Winkler
Part-Time Faculty of Political Science
Curriculum Highlights
Strong foundation through POL 101, 202, 205, 206, 207
Philosophical and analytical depth: Political Theory or Ancient & Medieval Political Thought (POL 315 / POL 314)
Opportunities for combined majors in International Relations, Crime & Justice, Public Health and Legal Studies for tailored academic paths
One approved senior-level seminar for capstone research and synthesis
Skip To Main Content
Political Science
Solve problems in legal, public service, business, academia, nonprofit organizations — anywhere across the globe.
The goal of Albright’s Political Science program is to cultivate in you the knowledge and responsibility to be a leader in a democratic polity and an informed citizen in an international society.
About the Program
We provide a curriculum that is appropriate, cohesive, contemporary and integrated into the liberal arts programs of the college. We encourage in you independence of scholarship on campus and experiential learning through internships and foreign study off campus. Our faculty are dedicated to innovative teaching, scholarly research and college governance. They hold impressive educational credentials from highly ranked graduate schools in the discipline. And our graduates are leaders in public, private and non-profit organizations.
Hands-On Learning
Students engage in internships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and civic institutions that enhance professional experience and community engagement. Many students also take advantage of study abroad or research opportunities to deepen their understanding of political systems worldwide.
Program Goals
Course Requirements
Opportunities
Faculty
KNOWLEDGE:
Introduce students to the principle facts, key theories, institutions, practices, and processes of major subfields within the discipline
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS:
Cultivate an appreciation and understanding of cultural and political diversity, world affairs, and global interconnectedness
CITIZENSHIP:
Promote an understanding of active, ethical, and responsible citizenship, and an understanding of the value questions inherent in politics
CRITICAL THINKING AND INFORMATION LITERACY:
Advance students’ capacity for critical thinking through the development of a base of methodological, research, and communication skills
Full Course Catalogue
Course Descriptions
Combined Major Requirements
POL 101 American Government (counts as General Studies Foundations Social Science)
POL 202 Introduction to International Relations
POL 205 Comparative Politics
POL 206 Political Inquiry
POL 315 Political Theory or POL314 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought
One approved Political Science senior-level seminar
Two additional advanced Political Science courses
Minor Requirements
POL 101, American Government
POL 202, International Relations, or POL 205, Comparative Politics
Any three additional Political Science courses
Study Abroad Experiences:
Students interested in comparative politics or international relations are encouraged to
study abroad
for at least a semester, providing immersive cultural and academic experiences.
Internships and Career Support
Students can connect with the
Career Development Center
to find internships. Many past interns have returned to the District to work on the Hill, in the federal bureaucracy, and with lobbying groups. The student receives Albright college credit for the internship.
Recent Washington Center placements include:
North American Association for Environmental Education
Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Office of the Federal Environmental Executive
NAACP
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)
Local internships are also available to students in the department. Recent examples of such internships are presented below:
City Council Office, City of Reading, Reading, Pa.
Juvenile Justice Department, Schuylkill County Courthouse
Law Department, City of Reading, Reading, Pa.
Office of the Prosecutor, Camden County, Camden, N.J.
City Clerk’s Office, City of Reading, Reading, Pa.
Richmond County Supreme Court, Staten Island, N.Y.
Bucks County Clerk of the Courts, Doylestown, Pa.
City Solicitor Office, City of Reading, Reading, Pa.
Stevens and Lee/Griffin Financial Group
ACRE Undergraduate Research
Students in any major can engage in interdisciplinary undergraduate research through the
Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE)
, partnering with faculty mentors to pursue independent research or creative projects and present their work beyond the classroom.
Hilary Aquino , Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Michael Armato , Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Political Science/Registrar
John Bougiamas
Adjunct Faculty
Alisa Hobart
Part-Time Faculty of Political Science
Jennifer Lukach Bradley
Part-Time Faculty of Political Science
Donald Smith
Part-Time Faculty of Political Science
Jordan Winkler
Part-Time Faculty of Political Science
Curriculum Highlights
Strong foundation through POL 101, 202, 205, 206, 207
Philosophical and analytical depth: Political Theory or Ancient & Medieval Political Thought (POL 315 / POL 314)
Opportunities for combined majors in International Relations, Crime & Justice, Public Health and Legal Studies for tailored academic paths
One approved senior-level seminar for capstone research and synthesis