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
Related Interests
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Interested in learning more about what you can do with a liberal arts degree?
Future Students
Current 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
Internships
- 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
Continuing Education
- 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
Job Titles
- Activist/Organizer
- Campaign Manager
- Congressional Office/Committee Staffer
- CIA Analyst or Agent
- Attorney
- Foreign Service Officer
- Lobbyist/Activist
- Policy Analyst
Industries
- Politics
- Law
- International Affairs
- Business
- Government Agencies
- Non-profit
- Media
- Education
Employers
- US House of Representatives
- US Department of State
- US Armed Forces
- Deloitte
- Vanguard
- Amazon
- Booz Allen Hamilton
Alumni Career Conversations
Careers in...
Embedded Course
Ava Gianna Nociforo
’26
Communication, Arts, and Sciences
|
Advertising/Public Relations
Communication, Arts, and Sciences
Advertising/Public Relations
In the summer of 2025, Ava traveled abroad to Ireland and through CAS 299H. The final project for her class was to create a documentary on how Ireland’s history of crises shapes its modern political landscape. During her time abroad, she got to meet with Irish senator and sit in on deliberations, where she learned more about Ireland’s political system, specifically about their use of the Citizen’s Assemblies.
Internship
Veronica Figg
’26
Criminology
Criminology
Veronica interned with the Human Trafficking Unit of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and The Daily Collegian. My internship with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General gave her the opportunity to investigate human trafficking and help survivors get justice through the legal system. As a food reporter for The Daily Collegian, she was able to meet wonderful restaurant owners in State College and try some delicious food.
Student LeaderStudent Organizations
Zach Hamer-Lang
’26
History
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Sociology
|
Jewish Studies (minor)
History
Sociology
Jewish Studies (minor)
Being part of Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) Zach said, means being a member of a community with a legacy of resistance. Standing alongside the community members, embracing authenticity and existing defiantly are not only ideals, but practices. As president, Zach hopes to create the community that he was looking for when he sought out QTPOC, where individuals can express themselves without their presence or identity being questioned.
CriminologyEducation Abroad
Ashley Carmona
’26
Criminology
Criminology
In Barcelona, Ashley took a contemporary history course that aligns closely with concepts she learned at Penn State, allowing her to compare international legal frameworks with those in the United States and drawing on her classes as well as her professional experience. While there, she learned how Spain handles unaccompanied immigrant minors, and that their legal barriers are much different than those in the United States.
Student Organizations
Laenee McCoy
’27
Anthropology
|
Art History
|
Korean (minor)
|
Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (minor)
Anthropology
Art History
Korean (minor)
Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (minor)
Laenee serves as treasurer of the Indigenous Peoples’ Student Association (IPSA). IPSA’s impact on her extends far beyond administrative duties. Laenee said it’s given her the opportunity to engage with Indigenous voices and histories that are often marginalized, and has reinforced her commitment to listening in hopes of understanding perspectives that challenge dominant narratives.
Student LeaderStudent Organizations
Barron Owusu
’26
Psychology
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Economics
|
Information Sciences and Technology (minor)
Psychology
Economics
Information Sciences and Technology (minor)
Barron is is vice president of the African Students Association and president of the University’s chapter of the NAACP. In his role at the NAACP Barron started with a vision for the organization that looked to improve the divisions between members of the Black diaspora and bring awareness to marginalized communities both on campus and beyond.
“Issues such as poverty, health care disparities and unequal access to resources continue to impact minority communities. While the work may seem small, having an impact on a local community can create lasting change.”