Bachelor's Degree in Law, Politics and Societies New England Campus Experience
Program Overview Why get a law, politics and societies degree on campus?
If you're unsure whether to major in political science, sociology or legal studies, we've got good news — at Southern New Hampshire University, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law, Politics, and Societies lets you study all 3. In this interdisciplinary major, you’ll build a strong foundation across the social sciences while exploring how law, politics and society intersect in the U.S. and around the world. You'll build skills and gain the perspective to understand today’s most pressing social issues — and prepare for a career that makes an impact.
Skills you'll learn:
- Identification of human beliefs and behaviors in a society
- Distinguishing among political frameworks in the U.S. and globally
- In-depth research and effective communication skills
- Analysis of social issues from multiple perspectives
- Critical thinking and real-world problem-solving
- How to predict likely outcomes of political processes
Courses & Curriculum Build a strong foundation with on-campus social sciences courses
Your coursework in the law, politics and societies major starts with a core curriculum in the social sciences, giving you a well-rounded foundation to build upon. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking, research and communication skills while tackling big questions about how societies work and change. You’ll also choose a concentration or a mix of electives that fit your goals to add specialized expertise to your broad knowledge base.
Campus Law, Politics and Societies degree concentrations
You can tailor your degree to your interests and career goals by choosing one of these concentrations.
Explore U.S. government, policy and political behavior.
Study international relations, diplomacy and global challenges.
Learn to “think like a lawyer” and prepare for law-related careers or graduate study.
Focus on community development, local governance and public service.
Examine social justice, equity and strategies for creating inclusive communities.
Dive into sustainability, environmental policy and global responsibility.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of knowledge and experience, which informs the development of SNHU’s courses and curriculum. They look forward to supporting your journey both in the classroom and as you work toward a career in your field.
Paul Barresi 
Position
Co-chair, Social Sciences
Joined SNHU
2001
Education
- PhD in Political Science from Boston University
- JD from the George Washington University National Law Center
- MA in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University
- BS in Natural Sciences from Cornell University
Before joining SNHU, Dr. Paul Barresi advised Fortune 500 companies on environmental compliance for one of New England's top law firms. He is an adjunct professor at Sun Yat-sen University School of Law in Guangzhou, China, and serves on the editorial boards of several peer-reviewed journals. He authored or co-authored chapters in several books and has articles published in an array of academic journals and law reviews. Barresi was nominated twice for SNHU's Excellence in Teaching award and served as president of the Faculty Senate.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
The full curriculum for this program will be available soon.
Campus general education courses
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Can’t wait? You don’t have to!
Apply now if you’re ready, and have your decision within 30 days. Or, schedule a visit and come see us in person!
Career Outlook What can I do with a degree in law, politics and societies?
With your bachelor's degree in law, politics and societies, you'll be prepared to work in range of fields, thanks to the program’s emphasis on adaptable skills and interdisciplinary knowledge. You might consider a career in public policy, social services or global affairs. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in law, political science, sociology or international relations.
Career paths include:
- Social work and advocacy
- Community development
- Public policy
- Human Resources
- Public Relations
Median annual salary in May 2024 for social science occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Approximate number of job openings per year for life, physical and social science occupations, projected by the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
On campus, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of students passionate about understanding and shaping society. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in clubs, organizations and internships focused on politics and social justice. Here, you'll connect with faculty members experienced in sociology, political science and global studies while networking with peers who share your interest in making a difference.
Student support
At SNHU, you don’t have to do this college thing alone. You’ll have help from your advisor, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity and Campus Accessibility Center make campus a safe place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With an average class size of 15-25 (depending on your major) you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Arts, Sciences and Education Learn about the School of Arts, Sciences and Education
From understanding why people behave the way they do, to studying and tackling today's environmental issues, the School of Arts, Sciences and Education serves as an academic hub for creativity, collaboration and learning. Here, you'll have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, student teaching, lab work and community-based projects. From studying cells under a microscope or analyzing crime scenes to leading a student-teaching session in an elementary classroom, you’ll learn how the world works so you can help make it a better place.
Student teaching opportunities
Inkwell game design studio
State-of-the-art labs
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Our collaborative partnerships with high schools enhance academic opportunities and college accessibility for some high school students.
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/?utm (Viewed Sept. 2, 2025)
Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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