Political Science
Bachelor of Arts
Become an engaged global citizen.
Prepare to make an impact in the political, economic or business life of our nation and world.
Explore political theories and foundations
Our curriculum will help you build the foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills of an engaged civic leader. You’ll closely analyze systems of government, the political decision making process, and the outcomes of laws and policies over time. You’ll also develop a deeper understanding of modern political issues by applying research methods and tools to current events and trends.
Discover your passion
Our wide course selection spanning from “California Politics” to “Ethnic Conflict and Civil War” will allow you to dive deeper into the issues that matter to you. Students also have the option to concentrate in International Relations or Law and Public Policy, or add an additional major or minor that complements their career goals.
Get engaged
By completing a required internship, studying abroad, or doing both, you’ll become engaged with the political sphere and explore career opportunities. Our alumni have interned at locations ranging from local nonprofits to congressional offices in Washington, D.C. through the Lutheran College Washington Semester. Students can also apply to study abroad at Oxford University in England through Cal Lutheran’s Oxford Program.
The perfect place to start making an impact is right on campus. Whether you join a club, run for student government, attend chats put on by the Political Science National Honor Society, or compete with the Model United Nations team, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.
Go further with a Master’s
If you dream of developing creative solutions to modern issues, you can pursue a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) through Cal Lutheran’s Graduate School of Management. With the expedited 4+1 option, you could begin working toward your master’s while an undergrad and finish in just one year after graduation, saving time and money. Students in the MPPA program can also apply for a Reagan-Gallegly Fellowship, which helps future leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors attain their master’s degree.
Emphasis Areas
Programs
Offered as a major (BA) and a minor.
Recommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
- Asian Studies
- Communication
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- French
- Gender and Women’s Studies
- German
- Global Business
- Global Studies
- History
- Legal Studies
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Sociology
- Spanish
I discovered my interest in Political Science in my senior year of high school, after taking AP Government. From then on, I knew I wanted to work in a field that allowed me to help others, and I thought Political Science would give me a wide range of opportunities. I feel our Political Science Department sets students up well for life after graduation and demonstrates the many different fields Political Science majors can work in.
Megan Dillon '23
Political Science Major
I’ve always been drawn to community engagement, empowerment and service, so I study political science because it has fundamental roots in community development. Cal Lutheran’s program takes students into the field and also makes studying abroad very doable.
Alexis Rizo '21
Political Science Major
Students are offered opportunities to study abroad at Oxford and other notable programs, engage in community development and service projects, and intern in public policy and non-profit agencies in Washington, DC and throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Our alumni study at:
- Duke University School of Law
- Georgetown University
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- New York University
- Notre Dame School of Law
- University of California, Irvine School of Law
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Chicago
- University of Michigan
- University of Oxford
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Our alumni work for:
- California State Assembly
- County of Ventura
- Democratic National Committee
- Disney General Entertainment Content
- Los Angeles City Council
- Los Angeles Superior Court
- Masry & Vititoe Law Office
- Standard and Poors Global Ratings
- The Alliance to Save Energy
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. House of Representatives
Career paths:
- Business Consultant
- Campaign Organizer
- Chief of Staff
- Communication Director
- Data Analyst
- Environmental Advocate
- Field Representative
- Lawyer/Law Partner
- Legislative/Policy Analyst
- News Reporter/Producer
- Police Officer
- Television and Film Writer
of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months
All the professors in the department helped me identify my passions, pursue my goals, and encouraged me to do things that I never thought I could. More than that, they each helped sharpen my research, writing, and analytical skills which have been vital in all my previous work and now in law school.
George Khoury '21
Political Science Major
J.D. Candidate, Duke University School of Law
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