BA in Law and Politics

Whether you're fascinated by politics or intrigued by the law, a law and politics major from Southern New Hampshire University provides you with the knowledge and skills essential for success across a broad spectrum of careers in these two dynamic and exciting fields. Our unique interdisciplinary BA in Law and Politics gives you not only a solid foundation in the art and science of politics, but also insight into what it means to "think like a lawyer," both in the United States and around the world. Internships & Outcomes The range of career options for students with a law and politics major is very broad, encompassing careers in politics, government, diplomacy, consulting, legal support services and many other fields. Our program also prepares students for graduate study in political science, international relations, public policy or public administration, and for law school, as well as for a lifetime of citizenship in a politically and legally complex and increasingly globalized world. SNHU is a great place to study law and politics because of New Hampshire's unique role as host of the first-in-the-nation presidential primary election, which often is the most crucial stop for those seeking the presidential office, such as Hillary Clinton in 2008. Candidates start their primary election campaigns as early as 18 months before the general election, meeting face-to-face with ordinary voters throughout New Hampshire in their homes and workplaces, in restaurants and diners, and on the street. In 2007, Barack Obama delivered the commencement speech at SNHU's graduation ceremony shortly before launching his own presidential bid. You also may choose to spend a semester in our nation's capital in SNHU's Semester in Washington, D.C. Both the politics and pre-law tracks within the D.C. program promote experiential learning through civic engagement and other activities. The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, which hosts SNHU's program, provides students with housing and places them in internships appropriate to their interests. Internship opportunities include placements in executive branch agencies, both houses of Congress, nonprofit organizations and for-profit firms. Curriculum Our law and politics faculty includes distinguished teachers, scholars, and practitioners with many years of experience working in and with some of the most prominent public institutions, private firms, and not-for-profit organizations worldwide. For example, as a lawyer at one of Boston's biggest law firms, Dr. Paul Barresi helped to advise Fortune 500 companies in complex legal compliance matters. He's also an expert on American political culture. Dr. Pamela Jordan has worked as a consultant for the U.S. Agency for International Development, the American Bar Association, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Soros Foundation. She also has served as executive director of a nongovernmental organization affiliated with the United Nations, and as a law-firm corporate litigation paralegal. Dr. Dean Spiliotes is an SNHU Civic Scholar, veteran political analyst, and blogger whose expertise on presidential politics and the New Hampshire presidential primary election is sought out by major media outlets from throughout the United States and around the world. Our faculty also has included a former mayor of New Hampshire's biggest city, a former World Bank and Ford Foundation consultant with experience working in Asia, Africa, and elsewhere, and a former research associate in the civil litigation and criminal appeals divisions of the Florida state attorney general's office.