Buffalo State's Political Science program helps students build skills for careers in law, government, and public policy. Students can focus on international relations, or legal studies or create a flexible plan through the general political science track. The program teaches both the ideas behind government and how policies work in real life.
Students study four main areas: international relations, American government, comparative government, and political theory. The program takes an integrated approach, combining government, international relations, planning, and philosophy to help students understand and solve real social and community problems.
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Degrees Offered
Political Science, B.A.: Political science is the study of government and politics. The major includes five areas: American government, international politics, comparative politics, political theory, and public law. In the Bachelor of Arts program, students can focus on Public Legal Studies or choose a broader path through the General Political Science concentration.
Political Science/Law 3+3 Combined Pathway, B.A. and J.D.: Highly qualified Buffalo State students can work on a law degree (Juris Doctor or “J.D.”) at the University of Buffalo while completing their Public Legal Studies Political Science degree (B.A.) at Buffalo State. This pathway allows completion of both undergraduate education and law-degree training in six years of full-time study rather than the usual seven-year journey to a law degree
International Relations, B.A.: International relations studies how countries and global organizations interact. It explores major issues such as conflict, sustainable development, terrorism, foreign policy, trade, economic cooperation, and human rights. Buffalo State is the only SUNY campus in Western New York to offer an International Relations degree, preparing students for careers in foreign service, nonprofits, international business, and global governance. Students also gain skills in foreign languages, data analysis, and international experience through internships or study-abroad programs.
Who Hires Our Students?
6.5K
Number of job openings (2024)
$139K+
Average annual salary
10-30
Student class size
"Legal Advice" - Pre-Law Advising
The American Bar Association does not recommend any one undergraduate major or group of courses to prepare for a legal education. Pursue an area of study that interests and challenges you, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills. Taking a broad range of challenging courses taught by demanding instructors is excellent preparation for legal education.
Many of our international relations students have England, Australia, China, Egypt, Italy, and other destinations around the world as part of the SUNY study abroad consortium.
Students can also have various engaging international experiences working for peace and international organizations in Buffalo and NYC.
Pi Sigma Alpha: Buffalo State has a longtime chapter of the national political science honor society. Political science majors, eligible by GPA and course hours, are regarded as the most experienced, dedicated, and academically advanced in the department.
Student Political Society: SPS is a Department of Political Science student academic club. SPS hosts visits and discussions with local politicians, post-election analyses, the ins-and-outs of graduate school, and lectures/discussions on topics of current interest to club members.
Buffalo State Mock Trial Team: This team allows students to practice and compete in mock trial tournaments around the nation. Students gain hands-on experience with the legal system and trial procedures, with mentoring from local professional attorneys.
Model United Nations and Model European Union: An educational simulation and academic competition in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations/European Union.