BA Political Philosophy at Syracuse University

Programme overview

Interdisciplinary in-person major drawing on the Departments of Philosophy and Political Science. It examines the nature of government, political authority, freedom and law, and how societies can and should function.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School | Department: Philosophy and Political Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: Syracuse, NY, United States

What you will study

Introductory political theory, social and political philosophy and moral theory; students specialize in two of four areas: history of political thought, law, ethics and politics, and human nature and political theory. Sample courses: Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy, Foundations of American Political Thought, The Creation of the U.S. Constitution, Philosophy of Feminism, The Politics of Citizenship.

Career pathways

Law, business, journalism, nonprofit work and government; well suited to law school preparation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

College of Arts and Sciences / Maxwell School (university-wide first-year requirements): Syracuse University first-year applicants submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, an official high school transcript, senior year grade report, a school counselor evaluation and one academic recommendation; SAT/ACT scores are optional. English proficiency for international applicants: TOEFL iBT 85+, IELTS 6.5+ or Duolingo 125+ preferred. Some programmes in the college may have additional requirements.

Requirements published at faculty level.

USD 69,180 a year (2026-27). 2026-27 Main Campus undergraduate full-time tuition ($34,590 per semester for 12-19 credits, shown as $69,180 for the academic year on the cost page); one undergraduate rate band, the same on the international costs page. Excludes housing, meals, miscella Source

Students may apply for the fall or spring semester. First-year fall applicants may apply through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action or Regular Decision. Transfer applicants may apply for fall or spring.

First-year deadlines: Early Action November 1; Early Decision I November 1; Early Decision II January 5; Regular Decision January 5. Fall transfer applications are due July 1; spring applications (first-year and transfer) are due November 15. Some programmes have earlier deadlines (for example Drama acting and musical theater application and prescreen December 1; architecture portfolio January 5).

First-year students apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application powered by Scoir. SAT/ACT scores are not required for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 admission, and students who do not submit scores remain eligible for merit scholarships. An application fee waiver can be requested in writing by the school counselor to [email protected].

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities