Political Science

Are you interested in going to law school, working on political campaigns, or serving the public? With our focus on U.S. international politics and government institutions, LVC’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science provides you with the perfect launchpad for an array of careers.

As a political science major, you’ll work side-by-side with faculty on research projects, gain hands-on experience through internships, and even attend the European Union Simulation in Washington, D.C. LVC political science graduates have landed jobs at government agencies and international organizations and gone on to attend some of the nation’s finest law schools and graduate programs. Need-based departmental scholarships are available.

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Learn More About the Program

Our political science students pursue internships like the prestigious Pennsylvania Legislative Fellowship, study abroad in cities like Maastricht and present papers at academic conferences. If a law career is in your sights, you can take advantage of our pre-law advising minor to help you prepare for the LSAT and decide which law school is the best fit for you.

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Pre-Law Advising
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Earn a London Law Certificate

London Calling

Earn your Certificate in Higher Education from the University of London, a world-renowned provider of legal education, alongside your LVC political science degree. Through this accelerated three-year program, you’ll save on tuition while graduating with two highly-respected credentials.

Learn About London Law Certificate
$128,020
median pay for political scientists with a master’s degree, 2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
30
LVC alumni who’ve graduated from law school in the last 6 years
Career Opportunities

The skills you learn as a LVC political science student are widely applicable and will prepare you for a variety of careers—the choice is yours.

  • Government Official
  • Lawyer
  • Communications Executive
  • Nonprofit Administrator
  • Journalist
  • Political Consultant
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Lobbyist
  • Educator

In Their Words

Relevance
Political science is a tremendously relevant major, especially in today’s ever-changing political environment. The major isn’t necessarily about understanding the difference between political parties, but rather being able to place what you hear and see in the context of the greater picture of American politics.
Brian Wharton ’09, Supervisory Staff Administrator, 313th Movement Control Battalion, U.S. Army
Breadth
LVC, my professors, and all the opportunities I had shaped who I am today. I participated in clubs, class discussions, and LVC traditions; studied in Spain for a semester; attended conferences; and conducted research. I am thankful to call LVC my alma mater.
Samantha Starliper ’19, Deputy Communications Director, PA Department of Education
Perspectives
I began to develop a fascination in public policy, and in the fall of my junior year, I declared political science my second major [with applied history] after a course on international relations with Dr. Chris Dolan. The two experiences complemented each other excellently. I got to experience government from a unique perspective, filling in some of the practical gaps and answering some of the questions I developed while studying politics.
Ryan Dennehy ’22, Ph.D. Student, University of South Carolina
Political science is a tremendously relevant major, especially in today’s ever-changing political environment. The major isn’t necessarily about understanding the difference between political parties, but rather being able to place what you hear and see in the context of the greater picture of American politics.
Brian Wharton ’09, Supervisory Staff Administrator, 313th Movement Control Battalion, U.S. Army
LVC, my professors, and all the opportunities I had shaped who I am today. I participated in clubs, class discussions, and LVC traditions; studied in Spain for a semester; attended conferences; and conducted research. I am thankful to call LVC my alma mater.
Samantha Starliper ’19, Deputy Communications Director, PA Department of Education
I began to develop a fascination in public policy, and in the fall of my junior year, I declared political science my second major [with applied history] after a course on international relations with Dr. Chris Dolan. The two experiences complemented each other excellently. I got to experience government from a unique perspective, filling in some of the practical gaps and answering some of the questions I developed while studying politics.
Ryan Dennehy ’22, Ph.D. Student, University of South Carolina

Featured News & Stories

Browse All News
Political science graduate Matthew Davis poses with Dr. Philip Benesch
2023 Grad Says “Get Out and Get Involved”
Lebanon Valley College students are named Fulbright Program Finalists
Three More Lebanon Valley College Scholars Named Fulbrights; A Fourth Named as Alternate
Jennifer Selin head shot
Do the Work, and Be Yourself
Political science graduate Matthew Davis poses with Dr. Philip Benesch
2023 Grad Says “Get Out and Get Involved”
Lebanon Valley College students are named Fulbright Program Finalists
Three More Lebanon Valley College Scholars Named Fulbrights; A Fourth Named as Alternate
Jennifer Selin head shot
Do the Work, and Be Yourself

Think Globally, Act Locally

Make a positive impact in your community, and the world, with your political science degree.

LVC political science students attend annual European Union Simulation in Washington, DC
Nicole Flohr interning in the Executive Office of the United States Mission to the United Nations
Students from history, politics, and global studies department participate in the annual EU Simulation in Washington, D.C.
Olivia Edwards, LVC political science graduate, at the Capitol
Students holding up flag
Political science students in the UK
Politics students participate in the annual European Union Simulation in Washington, DC in November 2019.