Bryant University Professor Rich Holtzman teaches in class.
Bryant University Professor Rich Holtzman teaches in class.

Politics and Law

Analyze and synthesize complex social, legal, and political issues in the U.S. and abroad and learn how to apply effective solutions.

Hear From Our Students

Exceptional Outcomes

Bryant’s Politics and Law major prepares students for prestigious graduate programs and thriving careers at global businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

At a Glance

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why the structures and behaviors of governmental and non-government actors matter in policy making
  • How to explore complex problems such as the role of government in society
  • How the legal system intersects with and influences social life and the political system

What You’ll Do:

  • Cultivate your curiosity for civic life and become a driven learner engaged in purposeful learning
  • Explore complex problems and learn how to reach persuasive conclusions based on evidence-based reasoning

Where You’ll Go:

  • Career opportunities such as researcher, lawyer, program analyst, policy advisor, state representative, or nonprofit director
  • Top law schools and graduate programs to advance your career preparation

Program Highlights

Bryant’s Politics and Law program merges the study of political science and legal studies to examine government, legal issues, and the influence of social and cultural forces on law. 

Through courses that specialize in American government, comparative politics, and global politics, you’ll gain analytical skills to understand and predict political events, engage with public policy, and conduct independent research. Our program encourages critical thinking, effective information use, and ethical perspective — preparing you to contribute meaningfully to civic life and complex problem-solving.

Sample Courses

Our curriculum consists of engaging coursework that’s designed to prepare you for your future career. Just a few sample courses include: 

Introduction to International Politics POLS 241
Introduction to U.S. Politics POLS 256
Comparative Politics POLS 361
Introduction to the U.S. Legal System LGLS 230
Law and Society LGLS 360
Global Legal Traditions LGLS 320
Seminar in Politics and Law POLS/LGLS 490

Where Our Students Go

Our graduates go on to major corporations and prestigious graduate programs, including:

  • American Cancer Society
  • Child and Family Services
  • Federal Reserve Bank
  • Rhode Island Governor’s Office
  • U.S. Department of State
  • U.S. Secret Service
  • Northeastern School of Law
  • University of Connecticut
  • Villanova Law School
  • Brown University
  • Dartmouth College
  • United Nations Humanitarian Affairs

3+3 Juris Doctor

Bryant University’s partnership with Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law enables you to fast-track your undergraduate degree and break through traditional law school application barriers. At the completion of the program, students will have a bachelor’s degree from Bryant University and a juris doctor (J.D.) degree from Villanova Law.

The Bryant globe and the Villanova clock.
Bryant University grad Allie Miller.

Learn by Doing

Lessons from a textbook can only take you so far. That’s why experiential learning is at the core of your Bryant experience. You’ll engage in hands-on projects and opportunities beginning your very first year — building skills in critical thinking, learning how to adapt to challenges, and fostering your determination to succeed.

Find Your Minor

By complementing your College of Arts and Sciences major with a business minor, you’ll learn how to assess problems from different perspectives and find creative solutions to today’s biggest challenges. Our interdisciplinary approach is a strength that leads to extraordinary career outcomes and lifetime earnings.