International BA in Law and Politics

In developed countries like the United States, law and politics are closely intertwined. At the same time, the globalization of national economies worldwide means that lawyers from common law jurisdictions like the United States and civil law jurisdictions (like most developing countries) often find themselves working side by side in business transactions, where sharp differences in legal cultures can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. The law and politics major at Southern New Hampshire University offers international students an opportunity to explore these issues by providing insight into what it means to "think like a lawyer," both in the United States and around the world, as well as with a solid undergraduate foundation in the art and science of politics as practiced in the United States, abroad, and internationally. Our international BA candidates spend their first two years in a law, politics or other degree program at their home universities, and then complete their remaining degree requirements in two years on our campus. They also take all of their SNHU law and politics courses with American peers, immersing them not just in the legal and political content of their coursework, but in American culture and university life, too. SNHU's beautifully wooded, 120-hectare campus is set on a hillside above the Merrimack River on the outskirts of Manchester, New Hampshire. Once in the forefront of America's Industrial Revolution, Manchester is now New Hampshire's biggest city — a sophisticated, multicultural urban center with 110,000 inhabitants. New Hampshire is one of the six states of the New England region, which forms the northeastern corner of the United States, and was among the first regions to be settled by English-speaking colonists. SNHU's campus is an hour west of the Atlantic Ocean, an hour south of some of the region's most impressive lakes and mountains, and an hour north of Boston, Massachusetts, which is New England's biggest city. With a population of 625,000, this coastal metropolis enjoys an international reputation as a hub of literature, learning, medical research, and high-tech industry, and is a popular weekend destination for the students from the dozens of colleges and universities in the area. ​Internships & Outcomes Historically, lawyers have always commanded high salaries, and opportunities within this field will remain steady at 10% growth through 2022. The job outlook for political scientists is even more promising, with 21% projected growth from 2012-2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Facts like these make now an excellent time to enter either profession. Succeed as a Law & Politics Major SNHU is an ideal place to study law and politics because of the state of New Hampshire's unique role as host to the first-in-the-nation presidential primary election, which often is the most crucial stop for the many men and women seeking Presidential office. The candidates start their primary election campaigns as early as a year and half 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. Two recent presidential candidates, including Hillary Clinton in 2008, have chosen SNHU as their primary election night campaign headquarters. In 2007, Barack Obama delivered the commencement speech at SNHU's graduation ceremony shortly before launching his own presidential campaign.