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Advancing Justice and Democracy 

Advancing Justice and Democracy 
Advancing Justice and Democracy 

A liberal arts degree provides a versatile foundation for careers in government, law, or politics by developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.

Through the study of diverse disciplines—such as political science, history, sociology, and philosophy—you gain a nuanced understanding of societal structures, legal principles, and policy-making processes. This broad perspective equips you to analyze complex issues, craft persuasive arguments, and engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Additionally, the emphasis on research and ethical reasoning prepares you to navigate the complexities of governance, advocate for justice, and contribute thoughtfully to public discourse and policy development.

A liberal arts degree cultivates a deep understanding of societal systems while fostering key transferable skills essential for advancing justice, such as:

  • Leadership and social action
  • Strong communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Analytical Skills
  • Ability to take initiative
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Interested in learning more about what you can do with a liberal arts degree?

Future Students

Majors

Explore our degrees designed for those interested in government, law, or politics. Our programs will equip you with the skills to excel and turn your passions into a rewarding career.

While this page shows many opportunities and examples of what our students and alumni have done related to this area of interest, this is not an exhaustive list of majors or experiences.

Out-of-Classroom Experiences

  • Geisinger Medical Center
  • The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
  • Federal Reserve Bank of New York, General Services Administration
  • Centre County Planning and Community Development
  • Various law offices
  • Political campaigns
  • Representatives’ and senators’ offices
  • U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Education Abroad Destinations

Netherlands

Liberal Arts students traveled to the Netherlands as part of the “Dutch Criminal and Social Justice” faculty-led program. Over the span of five weeks, students examined the Dutch and American approaches to social problems and criminal justice.
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Ireland

Penn State students traveled to Ireland through a faculty-led program to explore and document their understanding of the way deliberation through the Irish Citizens’ Assembly affected governing and democracy in Ireland.
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Curaçao

Students in CRIM 425 participated in the “Organized Crime in Curaçao” embedded program, exploring law enforcement and organized crime theories. During the seven-day trip, they applied their studies in context and engaged with local university students.
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Germany

Italy

Spain

United Kingdom

France

Post-Graduation Opportunities

  • Law school
  • MBA
  • Graduate school to study law, public policy, nonprofit management, criminal justice, urban and regional planning, public health, international relations, and political science
  • Activist/Organizer
  • Campaign Manager
  • Congressional Office/Committee Staffer
  • CIA Analyst or Agent
  • Attorney
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Lobbyist/Activist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Politics
  • Law
  • International Affairs
  • Business
  • Government Agencies
  • Non-profit
  • Media
  • Education
  • US House of Representatives
  • US Department of State
  • US Armed Forces
  • Deloitte
  • Vanguard
  • Amazon
  • Google
  • Booz Allen Hamilton
Alumni Career Conversations

Careers in...

Laci Moore who will graduate Penn State in December 2025, smiles while wearing glasses and gray Penn State zip-up.
Criminology

Laci Campbell

’25
Criminology
|
Psychology
Criminology
Psychology
One of the most influential courses in her journey toward law school was “Juvenile Justice” with Jonathan Grine, adjunct lecturer in criminology, which deepened Laci’s interest in the legal system. After graduating in December 2025, Laci plans to attend law school. She hopes to pursue a career in juvenile or family law — fields that bring together both of her academic interests.
Kara Stover, who will graduate from Penn State in 2026, wears a firefighter's uniform and leans against a fire truck.
CriminologyInternshipPsychology

Kara Stover

’26
Criminology
|
Psychology
Criminology
Psychology
Kara’s academic passions in criminology and psychology led her to a summer internship at the Office of District Attorney for Clinton County, where she gained an inside perspective on the justice system. Shadowing both the district attorney and assistant district attorneys, she observed the daily operations of the office and discovered that real-life court cases are often a far cry from TV dramas.
Janae Sayler, a 2023 Liberal Arts alumna, smiling and sitting at a desk in a classroom.
Undergrad Research

Janae Sayler

Underrepresented Perspectives Lab
Underrepresented Perspectives Lab
As a research assistant, Janae presented her findings about safety cues in health care for sexual and gender diverse populations. Her findings argued that safety cues in health care environments, such as name tags with pronouns or pride flags in offices, increased people’s sense of belonging and safety for their identity.
Maddie Hindman stands in front of a balloon arch spelling out “VOTE” in the HUB-Robeson Center.
Campus LeaderStudent Organizations

Maddie Hindman

’25
Young people historically don’t realize how much power they have in their vote. I’ve enjoyed getting young people involved in local elections and primaries because of the strong impact the elections have on students. Our funding and appropriations here at Penn State are decided by the state legislature, so it’s important to get informed and know why it’s crucial to vote in local elections.
Lauren Noland, who will graduate from Penn State World Campus in 2025, poses for her official headshot against a black background.
Political ScienceWorld Campus

Lauren Noland

’25
Political Science
Political Science
Lauren has found success as a Penn State World Campus student majoring in political science while simultaneously balancing a full-time job as a legislative research specialist for the Army and raising five children. “Penn State has allowed me to go a lot further in my career than I ever thought possible.”
Jaelyn Monroe, a 2023 Penn State Liberal Arts alumna.
Alumni

Jaelyn Monroe

’23
Political Science
Political Science
Jaelyn received a $25,000 “Pink with Purpose” Project Grant from Victoria’s Secret in August 2022. This grant supports the Miss Monroe Foundation which Jaelyn founded in her senior year of high school. Through the foundation she has planned various events and fundraisers that supported mentorship and resources for young women, aid for homeless people in Philadelphia, and restorative justice work within juvenile facilities.