Political Philosophy

Students take courses in ethics, political theory, history of political thought, law, and human nature.

Other topics include governmental structures and their ideal implementation, political behavior, civil liberties, the relationship between individuals and governments, and philosophy of law. Students leave Syracuse prepared for careers in the areas of political, government and public affairs.

About the College of Arts and Sciences

The founding college of Syracuse University remains at the center of undergraduate learning. The College is divided into the natural sciences and mathematics, the humanities, and the social sciences, with the lattermost offered in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Learn more about the political philosophy program. 

Courses

Core coursework encompasses ethics, history, and law. Sample courses include:

• Marxist Theory
• Law and Society
• Political Conflict
• Social Movement Theory
• Gender and Politics
• Human Nature

View official major requirements.

Practical Experience

The political philosophy program is supplemented by a number of real-world opportunities:

• Volunteer in the community and intern professionally—on campus, off campus, or internationally.
• Join one of more than 300 student organizations, including the Philosophy Club.

Study Abroad

Broaden your perspective and enhance your resume with an international experience through  Syracuse Abroad , which features more than 100 programs in 60 countries. You can choose semester, summer, short term, and yearlong options for international study. 

Political philosophy majors most often go abroad to Syracuse University centers in Florence, Madrid, Santiago, and Strasbourg, and to our World Partner program Fordham in Pretoria.

Life After Syracuse University

As a graduate with a major in political philosophy, you can explore such careers as:

• Lawyer
• Publisher
• Political advisor
• Public affairs consultant
• Lobbyist

You can also pursue graduate training in such areas as law, journalism, and public administration. Recent graduates of the program have attended many of the top graduate schools in the U.S.