Political Science (BA)
Complementary Programs
- Intelligence Analysis (Minor)
- Intelligence Studies (BA)
- International Relations (Minor)
- International Relations and Security Studies (BA)
Related Program
- Political Science (Minor)*
*You may not combine the political science major with this minor.
If you’re the kind of person who’s eager to make a difference in society and wants to get involved in guiding public decisions, shaping social progress, and helping your community or country, then politics and government might be your thing. Whether at the local, state, national, or international level, these careers play a pivotal role in governance, diplomacy, lawmaking, and public service. These fields are at the heart of how things are run, from making laws and serving the public to international relations.
Political science at Lynchburg is not only about the study of government, but also a deep dive into understanding people, ethics, and what justice means. You’ll learn about the different systems people have used to govern themselves and explore the history of U.S. politics, domestic and international philosophies of governing, and politics. You’ll also examine how elections are run, campaigning and how voters make decisions, the function of state and local government, and the nature of the federal system and bureaucracy.
Our courses explore topics such as voting behavior, public opinion on controversial issues, globalization, international and domestic terrorism, how policies are made, legal reform efforts, poverty alleviation strategies, and U.S. foreign policy toward China under various administrations — the list goes on!
Our graduates have gone on to work for governors, Congress, the U.S. State Department, top-tier law firms, international corporations, and local governments. They have furthered their studies at notable graduate schools like Johns Hopkins University, American University, and Virginia Tech, to name a few.
As a Lynchburg political science student, you’ll:
- Know how to have productive conversations and persuasive arguments to influence conversations on social, economic, and cultural issues.
- Explore the different systems people have used in governing themselves.
- Gain a better understanding of how elections are run, including campaigning and voter behavior.
- Learn about the federal, state, and local governing systems and bureaucracy.
Alumni Spotlights
Faculty Contact
David Richards, PhD
Associate Professor of International Relations and Political Science
Chair of the International Relations and Political Science Department
