Political Science

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Develop vital analytical, writing and communication skills


The BA in Political Science degree will prepare you to meet the challenges in a range of today's in demand careers. The Political Science program at Molloy University offers courses on the Politics of the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. A major in Political Science will equip you with vital analytical, writing and communication skills sought by employers. Our distinguished faculty possess the knowledge and experience required to guide you through your academic journey. Our rigorous curriculum will equip you with the knowledge and vital critical thinking, writing, and communication skills needed to pursue your future career. We offer a variety of internship opportunities at government offices in Long Island, New York City, Albany and Washington D.C. that will provide you with valuable experience as it relates to your future goals and career aspirations.

Political Science program at Molloy provides:

  • Individualized attention: You will be assigned a faculty advisor who will guide you through your undergraduate studies.
  • Distinguished group of faculty: Our faculty are experienced scholars and policymaking practitioners with expertise in American, European and international fields of history and politics.
  • Career-minded curriculum: Under the supervision of a faculty member, students can focus their studies on tracks that include American, European, and international politics.
  • Global education and travel: Students majoring in political science learn about foreign cultures and have the opportunity to travel the world with Molloy's global learning program.

Transfer students are welcome into this program. Learn more about transferring to Molloy, including transfer guidelines, articulation agreements and funding opportunities.

 

Student Resources


Michael Serrano Gillibrand intership photo

The Political Science Department at Molloy university provides you with access to variety of resources to ensure both your academic and professional success.

  • Internships

    Internships are a vital component in preparing students for future careers. The experience is designed to combine the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom with practical work experience. Students can apply for local and state internships and study abroad. There are also opportunities to attend seminars and conferences with the United Nations. Molloy students have experienced government directly while interning with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Congressman Peter King, the Nassau County Executive Office and others. These are excellent ways to gain practical experience and network with a community of professionals in your chosen career path.

  • Careers

    Our curriculum at Molloy College can prepare you for a career in Political Science with a BA, or for Graduate Studies. You will acquire the necessary knowledge in American, European, International politics, and strengthen your critical thinking, analytical, writing and communication skills that will prepare you for a career in a number of fields including:

    • Federal, State, and Local Government
    • Lawyers and Paralegals
    • Public Administration
    • Record Managers
    • Nonprofit Organizations
    • International Organizations
    • Private and Public Foundations
    • Diplomacy
    • Publishing and Editing
    • Public Policy
    • Journalism
    • Campaigns and Polling
    • Risk Management
    • Professional Researcher
    • Professor
    • Fundraiser
    • Interest Group Lobbyist
    • Intelligence Analysts
    • Law Enforcement
    • Information Technology Management
    • Documentary Film and Media
    • Library Sciences

  • Political Science Honor Society

    Pi Sigma Alpha is the National Political Science Honor Society founded in 1920. Its purpose is to recognize and promote high academic achievement in the field of Political Science. The Molloy Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, known as the Alpha Kappa Phi Chapter, was established in March 2016. The Honor Society is open to Juniors and Seniors with a declared major or minor in Political Science. Students must maintain a grade of B or better in all Political Science courses. They must complete at least one upper-level course and have completed 12 credits of course work in the discipline. The students must rank in the upper third of their classes.

  • History and Political Science Club

    The History & Political Science Club brings history and politics to life by taking students on field trips to political institutions, museums, etc. Students also get to interact with guest speakers who will lecture on their areas of expertise.

    We look out for as many opportunities as we can find to acquaint Molloy students with their own history and that of their area. Any student with a penchant for the past and an interest in joining us on a trip or at a speaking engagement can sign up to become a member and leave their email address on this page to be notified of upcoming events.

Minors Offered


  • Political Science Minor

    The minor in political science provides students with a solid foundation in the political systems of the United States, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.  A minor in Political Science would be useful to students interested in earning a law degree, entering the business world, working in the health professions, or becoming an historian, journalist, or social worker, among other careers. Political scientists study how politics and power work, and also critically examine political trends, which are skills that would be beneficial to a variety of employers. For more information on the minor requirements click here:

    Molloy University - Political Science Minor

  • History Minor

    The minor in history provides students with a solid foundation in United States and European history (12 credits) with the opportunity to also take electives (6 credits) in areas such as World History. A minor in History would be valuable to students who wish to attend Law School, enter the business world, or become a journalist, political scientist, librarian, or sociologist, among other careers. History students learn how to examine change over time, put major issues into perspective. and to critically read documents, skills which employers and graduate schools highly prize. For more information on the minor requirements click here:

    Molloy University - History Minor

Our Faculty


  • Kristen Blake, Ph.D.

    Kristen Blake, Professor of History and Political Science, earned her Ph.D. in Inner Asian and Altaic Studies from Harvard University. Her expertise is on US Foreign Policy, International Relations, and Politics of Developing Nations. She has served as Chair of the department and was the recipient of the Faculty Teaching Award and the Distinguished Medal of Service. Courses taught include: Fundamentals of Government, American National Government, Women in Politics, International Relations, Politics of Developing Nations, Comparative Politics I & II, History and Politics of the Middle East, History of China, and History of Russia.

    Email: kblake@molloy.edu

    Phone: 516-323-3826

  • Eric Cimino, Ph.D.

    Eric Cimino, Associate Professor and Chair, Ph.D. (Stony Brook University, SUNY). Professor Cimino is a historian of the Progressive Era United States, with an emphasis on New York City and Social Welfare History. His research has focused on the anti-trafficking efforts of the Travelers' Aid movement in New York City and London. He also has written about disaster relief for Titanic survivors. His current research project is on New York’s experience during the 1918 influenza pandemic. At Molloy, Professor Cimino has taught courses in United States, New York, Chinese, and Indian history, as well as American politics. 

    His research can be read here: https://works.bepress.com/eric-cimino/

    Email: ecimino@molloy.edu

    Phone: 516-323-3831

  • Sheryl Gordon, Ph.D.

    Sheryl Gordon, Visiting Assistant Professor, received her Ph.D. with a major in Modern European History and a minor in Intellectual History from The Graduate Center at CUNY.  My current research focuses on issues relating to WWI, Gender, Transnational Intellectual Thought, Progressivism, and Imperialism. I teach Western Civilization I, Western Civilization II, US Since World War II, American Civilization II, American National Government, and Women in America.  I really love how the subjects all connect to each other and by studying any aspect of history you get such a great perspective on life and current events. 

    Email: sgordon@molloy.edu

    Phone: 516-323-3830