Historical and Political Studies Overview
Embark on a Journey through a Global Curriculum.
The best way to prepare for a global career is to experience the world firsthand. That’s what you’ll do in the Historical and Political Studies Department (HAPS) at Arcadia, where the dynamic, hands-on curriculum will take you to the places you are studying.
Witness global events and learn about them as they unfold. Learn about Human Rights in Tanzania, conduct Public Health research in India, participate in our Model UN program, experience government through internships in Paris, Dublin and Washington D.C., and much more. Visit six or more countries in four years through a series of short courses and semester or year-long experiences.
Focus your studies on one of four majors: History, International Studies, Political Science, or Global Legal Studies, and may minor in Pre-Law. Enjoy a wealth of learning opportunities both on and off campus. Graduates prepare for Arcadia’s MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. These global experiences combined with an interdisciplinary education will prepare you for careers in government, public policy, international organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank, or non-governmental organizations, such as Amnesty International or Oxfam. Students also successfully pursue graduate studies in a variety of disciplines, including law school.
About Our Programs
Students in Arcadia’s Historical and Political Studies Department learn about and explore the world through a rich and dynamic curriculum. HAPS prides itself on providing individualized attention to both undergraduate and graduate students through frequent and meaningful interactions with distinguished faculty members, who ensure that students develop a well-rounded perspective on global issues, teach critical research and writing skills and provide career advice. Students also acquire a global perspective and hands-on learning through thematic study abroad opportunities and internships. The department prepares students for a wide variety of career pursuits in areas such as business, government, law, and international development.
The department is also home to the graduate program in International Peace and Conflict Resolution where students pursue a Master’s degree that includes one-year of intensive academic training as well as one-year of study abroad and internship experience. In their first year of study, students complete a core curriculum, which includes courses in theories of peace and conflict resolution and methods, as well as elective courses on Non-Governmental Organizations, International Organizations, International Law, Health and Human Rights, Development, Mediation, Peace Education and much more. In their second year, students choose a semester-long study abroad program that complements their academic training and provides them with the opportunity to specialize in a specific field of study, such as the dual degree program with the American Graduate School in Paris, France or Human Rights at Arcadia’s Peace Centre in Tanzania. Students also complete an internship directly related to their academic and professional interests, designed to allow students to develop critical professional skills and contacts and enable them to seamlessly transition to the professional world after graduation. Exceptional Arcadia undergraduate students may apply for an accelerated 3 + 2 program, which allows them to complete their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in IPCR in 5 years.
