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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.

Examines the historical and contemporary experiences of African Americans. Prepares students to address racial injustice, advocate for civil rights, and influence inclusive policies to create equitable social change. 

African American Studies

Learn more about African American Studies

Combines anthropology with data analysis to study societal trends. Prepares students to tackle social injustices, contribute to evidence-based policy development, and address intersections of science, law, and equity.

Anthropological Science

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Provides a holistic understanding of human cultures and societies. Equips students to address cultural injustices, design equitable policies for diverse populations, and engage in community advocacy with a nuanced perspective.

Anthropology

Learn more about Anthropology

Explores Asian cultures, languages, and histories. Equips students to engage in cross-cultural dialogue, advocate for policies promoting cultural understanding, and contribute to justice initiatives involving Asian communities.

Asian Studies

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Focuses on effective communication and public engagement. Prepares students to advocate for justice through persuasive messaging, public awareness campaigns, and fostering community dialogue around social issues.

Communication Arts and Sciences

Learn more about Communication Arts and Sciences

Explores the justice system, criminal behavior, and societal impacts of crime. Equips students to reform criminal justice policies, advocate for fair treatment, and address systemic inequalities in the legal system.

Criminology

Learn more about Criminology

Analyzes economic systems and their societal impacts. Prepares students to design equitable economic policies, address financial disparities, and advocate for systemic economic justice.

Economics

Learn more about Economics

Develops skills in analysis, communication, and storytelling. Prepares students to craft persuasive arguments, engage in advocacy writing, and influence public opinion on justice-related issues through impactful narratives.

English

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Examines global systems and cultural interactions. Equips students to advocate for human rights, engage in international justice efforts, and influence policies addressing global inequities.

Global and International Studies

Learn more about Global and International Studies

Explores historical patterns of inequality and reform. Prepares students to apply historical insights to contemporary justice issues, advocate for equitable policies, and preserve marginalized narratives.

History

Learn more about History

Studies global political systems and diplomacy. Equips students to navigate international justice efforts, advocate for human rights, and shape policies promoting equitable global governance.

International Politics

Learn more about International Politics

Examines Jewish history, culture, and experiences. Prepares students to engage in interfaith advocacy, promote cultural understanding, and address issues of minority rights and social justice.

Jewish Studies

Learn more about Jewish Studies

Focuses on workplace equity and organizational behavior. Prepares students to advocate for fair labor practices, design inclusive workplace policies, and address systemic inequities in employment.

Labor and Human Resources

Learn more about Labor and Human Resources

Analyzes political systems, governance, and public policies. Prepares students to develop equitable legislation, advocate for justice reforms, and contribute to systemic social change through political action.

Legal Studies

Learn more about Legal Studies

Explores Middle Eastern history, politics, and culture. Equips students to advocate for justice in regional conflicts, promote cross-cultural understanding, and engage in policies addressing Middle Eastern affairs.

Middle East Studies

Learn more about Middle East Studies

Analyzes political systems, governance, and public policies. Prepares students to develop equitable legislation, advocate for justice reforms, and contribute to systemic social change through political action.

Political Science

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Studies human behavior and mental processes. Equips students to address social injustices through behavioral insights, develop equitable mental health policies, and advocate for community well-being.

Psychology

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Examines social structures and systemic inequalities. Prepares students to design policies addressing injustice, advocate for marginalized communities, and promote equity in societal systems.

Sociology

Learn more about Sociology

Explores Asian cultures, languages, and histories. Equips students to engage in cross-cultural dialogue, advocate for policies promoting cultural understanding, and contribute to justice initiatives involving Asian communities.

South Asian Studies

Learn more about South Asian Studies

Focuses on gender, intersectionality, and feminist theory. Prepares students to advocate for gender equality, shape policies promoting justice, and address systemic disparities affecting marginalized genders.

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Learn more about Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

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...

Ava Nociforo
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.
Veronica Figg
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.
Zach Hamer-Lang wears a black blouse with which polka dots while posing on the Pattee Mall on Penn State's University Park campus.
Student LeaderStudent Organizations

Zach Hamer-Lang

’26
History
|
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.
Ashley Carmona wears a black blazer over a blue shirt while standing in front of a window inside Welch Building.
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.
Laenee McCoy stands outside Old Main smiling wearing a black top.
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.
Barron Owusu wears a suit while sitting on a bright orange chair in front of plants.
Student LeaderStudent Organizations

Barron Owusu

’26
Psychology
|
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.”