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.

The Curriculum
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.


The Experience

My objective is to prepare a student to succeed in the classroom and post-classroom life by filling my classroom and advising with a practical and theoretical learning experience.

Gregory Freeland
Professor

For me, my passion is so much more than political strategy and legal jargon. It’s a way of understanding people and the world. I have never understood the intersectionality of identities as much as I do now, and my passion for government has only grown since I started college. I love the support I’ve received from my professors, the advice, and the long conversations about my career and aspirations. It’s an experience that makes you feel like a part of a family.

Sophia Cruz Ponce '23

Your Future

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

More Career Outcomes



Tia Kerkhof
Cal Lutheran’s liberal arts curriculum allowed me to gain crucial experience in various courses and topics. Being an attorney requires constant reading and writing, so the political science department’s emphasis on both directly contributed to my academic achievements. I took logic, which helped me on the LSAT, and criminal law, which exposed me to the law and introduced me to the pre-law coordinator. For law school and the bar exam, I have to know business law, so undergrad courses in accounting and economics gave me background knowledge on these topics.

Tia Kerkhof '19
Political Science Major
Law student at USC Gould School of Law

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