The program offered by the Mercyhurst University?e seeks to foster life skills such as reading, writing, persuading, negotiating, and presenting; ability to think spatially; understanding of numerical data; historical awareness; international, cross-and multi-cultural appreciation.?

These life skills include an understanding of how political scientists think, gather evidence, process data, and reach tentative conclusions. Graduates will also develop an ability to think critically about political phenomena and thought.?

They should be effectively prepared for the worlds of work (formal employment in the labor market) and citizenship (civic and community life) as well as having a solid academic background for those inclined to pursue graduate studies or a law degree. Thus, specific career plans and interests aside, they should be well prepared to comprehend and interact with the political world.

We attempt to reveal the importance and personal impact of political events and issues; and, more?significantly, we seek to equip them to be able to understand, evaluate, and potentially shape the political events, actions, and problems/solutions of the future. These are crucial components of a liberal arts education and, along with knowledge of politics and government, key components of the sort of civic education on which democracy depends