The ancient Greeks thought of politics as the “authoritative” or highest form of study – since political decisions govern and shape our economy, the military, our social interactions, even what happens in our family life. At FDU’s College of Florham, we take the importance of political science seriously, not just as a way of studying governments, national values, and contemporary political problems, but in using ideas to improve our political and civic life. Our studies include legislatures and election systems, regulatory agencies and courts; police departments and armed forces, criminals and terrorists, the media and voters, presidents and prime ministers. We also study ideas: who ought to get what? What does it mean to live well? Which of our institutions and political arrangements are working well and which are dysfunctional and sick? Finally, we explore political change over time and space and ask what leads to revolutions and what emerges from them? Why (and how) do some countries become and stay democratic – while other do not? Why do some ethnic groups come into conflict and violence while others do not? Political science students at Fairleigh Dickinson learn in small classes emphasizing student participation (our average class size is 20, with upper division classes averaging 12) develop close working relationships with our teachers through independent studies, student-faculty research, activities outside of class, and individual mentoring and advising prepare for life after graduation through internships, coursework relevant to a range of fields, study and direct experience in Washington, D.C., and by developing the critical reading, writing, and analytic skills strongly desired by employers go on to careers in federal, state and local government, law enforcement, the court system, journalism, social services, law, and teaching, among many other fields.study diverse subjects in such courses as European Politics, Women and American Politics, War, Peace, and Arms, Biology and Politics, The Politics of Reproduction, Advanced Criminal Justice, and American Political Thought work closely with teachers who have been recognized by their students and peers as extraordinary teachers. Our faculty research is making an impact on New Jersey and the broader world.

An applicant must have graduated from an accredited or government recognized secondary school or have received his or her General Education Development (GED) certificate. It is recommended (but not required) that an applicant completes the equivalent of 16 academic (university preparatory) units in secondary school. For transcripts not in English, a notarized or certified English translation must accompany the original transcript. Two letters of recommendation are required. For students currently enrolled in a school or post-secondary institution, at least one must be written by a teacher or school counselor. If the applicant has been out of school for several years, a recommendation form an employer may be submitted. An applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit the results of a test of English Proficiency to the Office of International Admissions. Students from Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand do not need to submit test scores. SAT or ACT scores are NOT required for admission consideration.