Advancing Justice 

Advancing Justice 
Advancing Justice 

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

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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

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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

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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

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

Economics

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 Studies

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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
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.
Hunter Steach, who will graduate from Penn State in 2026, stands in the National Statuary Hall area of the U.S. Capitol Building.
InternshipPaterno FellowPolitical ScienceSchreyer Scholar

Hunter Steach

’26
Political Science
|
Economics (minor)
Political Science
Economics (minor)
A longtime passion for law and an interest in political science is what led Hunter to the College of the Liberal Arts and a congressional internship with Rep. Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District over the summer. During his time in Washington, he attended hearings and briefings, conducted research on legislation and offered tours of the U.S. Capitol Complex — valuable experiences that deepened his understanding of the legislative process. “Working in Congress was truly a dream come true,” Hunter said.
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.”
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