Government & Public Service

Defining Interest Communities: Pathways for Discovery, Purpose, and Vocation

Interest Communities serve as starting points for exploration, not boundaries. Every student’s path is unique, and the skills you develop through Assumption’s liberal arts education open doors to countless possibilities.

Each Interest Community highlights common academic pathways at Assumption University. For simplicity in web navigation, we’ve organized related areas of study that connect to this passion area. These groupings are meant to help you connect your coursework, experiences, and goals, but they are not intended to define or limit your options.

Rooted in the liberal arts and guided by our mission to awaken a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, Assumption challenges you to think critically, communicate effectively, and act with thoughtful citizenship. Whether you study biology, philosophy, business, or the arts, your education here prepares you to thrive in diverse fields and serve the common good.

Your journey of meaning, purpose, and vocation extends far beyond your major. Explore freely. Your path may include electives, double majors, minors, or concentrations across disciplines. Your career direction will reflect your curiosity, values, and the connections you build along the way, not just your academic label.

Explore Government & Public Service Programs at Assumption University

Criminology – Study crime as a social phenomenon and explore the criminal justice system through liberal arts coursework, independent research, and a required, hands-on internship experience.

History – Explore how past events, ideas, and cultures shape the present through rigorous work with primary sources, local and global learning opportunities, and a capstone research project that builds versatile, career-ready skills.

Law, Ethics, and Constitutional Studies – Examine constitutional law, legal philosophy, and foundational texts while developing reasoning, rhetorical, and writing skills for law school, graduate study, and thoughtful civic engagement.

Political Science – Explore the principles, problems, and institutions of political life while developing analytical and communication skills for careers in government, law, international affairs, business, and related fields.

Pre-Law – Pursue any major while receiving tailored advising, a flexible pre-law certificate, LSAT and application support, and optional accelerated 3+3 pathways to partnered law schools.

Sociology – Study social structures and human behavior with a focus on public sociology, exploring how sociological knowledge informs social change, addresses social problems, and serves the greater good.

Discover Common Pathways to Purpose & Vocation in Government & Public Service

Note: These example occupations are provided to spark inspiration and exploration of interest. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a starting point.

Policy Analyst – Research public issues, evaluate policy options, and prepare briefings that help government agencies, legislators, or nonprofits make informed decisions about laws and programs.

Legislative Aide – Support elected officials by tracking bills, drafting memos, communicating with constituents, and coordinating committee work in local, state, or federal government.

Attorney (Public Interest or Government) – Represent clients or government agencies in legal matters, drawing on strong skills in constitutional law, legal reasoning, and written advocacy.

Paralegal or Legal Assistant – Conduct legal research, organize case files, and draft documents to support attorneys in law firms, government agencies, or public-interest organizations.

Probation or Parole Officer – Monitor individuals on community supervision, connect them with services, and help them comply with court-ordered conditions to support safe reentry.

Police Officer or Detective – Enforce laws, investigate crimes, and collaborate with community members and other agencies to promote public safety and justice.

Victim Advocate – Assist victims of crime by explaining their rights, accompanying them to court, and connecting them with counseling, shelter, and other support resources.

Community or Nonprofit Program Coordinator – Plan, implement, and evaluate programs that address issues like youth development, housing, reentry, or neighborhood safety.

Public Administrator or City/County Government Staff – Manage programs, budgets, and services in areas such as human services, housing, or public safety within local or state government.

Social Science Researcher or Policy Data Analyst – Design studies, analyze data, and communicate findings on topics like crime, inequality, and public policy to guide evidence-based decisions.

Sample Graduate Pathways

• Law school (JD) for careers in public interest law, prosecution, defense, or government counsel roles
• Master’s programs in public policy, public administration, or international affairs for advanced policy and leadership roles
• Graduate study in criminology, sociology, history, or political science for research, teaching, or advanced analysis careers
• Social work (MSW) or counseling programs for direct practice with individuals, families, and communities in justice or human services settings

Build momentum through Explore → Build → Engage → Launch. Complete checklists, attend events at each stage, and tap Resources for career development support throughout.

First-Year: Explore

Take advantage of organizations like Pizza, Punch & Politics Club, Student Government Association (SGA), Human Services Club, Black Diaspora Student Union (BDSU), ALANA Network, and Habitat for Humanity to explore interests in government, law, justice, and public service. Use academic electives, events, and networking opportunities to sample different paths, and complete beginner-level LinkedIn Learning courses (for example, civic engagement, public speaking, or introductions to criminal justice) to clarify your interests and next steps.

Sophomore Year: Build

Deepen your involvement in government and public service by joining experiences like Moot Court, Residence Hall Association, applying to be an Admission Ambassador, or taking on committee or leadership roles in clubs such as SGA, BDSU, ALANA, or Human Services Club. Volunteer with community organizations or justice-related agencies when possible, attend career events, and look for shadowing, part-time roles, or campus leadership positions that build skills in advocacy, policy, and community engagement to strengthen your preparation for internships and graduate study.

Junior Year: Engage

Secure (or complete) at least one internship or field experience with a government agency, legal office, nonprofit, or community organization to apply your skills in real-world public service settings. Attend networking events, career fairs, and law- or policy-related panels, and actively build your LinkedIn presence by connecting with alumni working in government, law, criminology, public policy, and social services.

*Internships significantly boost graduate employability across studies. Students with internship experience consistently achieve higher job placement rates and better career outcomes than those without. (Baert, S., Neyt, B., Siedler, T., Tobback, I., & Verhaest, D. (2021).

Senior Year: Launch

Launch with clarity. Apply best practices to your next step (full-time roles, graduate school, a service year, or beyond) using Resources for tailored résumés, cover letters, the job search, interview preparation, and more!

LinkedIn Groups for Students Interested in Government & Public Service

Why join LinkedIn groups? LinkedIn groups give you access to targeted professional communities where you can network with industry professionals, discover hidden job/internship opportunities, stay current on industry trends, ask career questions, and learn from experienced practitioners, all for free. As a student, joining these groups helps you build your professional network before graduation and signals a genuine interest to recruiters.

Recommended Groups for Assumption University Students:

Criminal Justice Professionals – Connect with current and retired criminal justice practitioners in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Great for criminology and related majors exploring justice-focused careers.

History Enthusiasts Group – Join a community for people who love history, from archaeology and military history to art, biography, and genealogy, and share discussions, questions, and resources about the past.

Pre-Law Forum – Join a community focused on LSAT prep and law school applications, including help with test sections, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and understanding different law degree options.

Sociology at Work – Connect with sociologists practicing applied sociology in government, nonprofits, research, and industry, and explore careers, job search tips, and resources for using sociology skills beyond academia.