College of Arts & Sciences

Political Science

Typically, CLU political science majors pursue careers in teaching, public administration, law and politics; they're also found working in foreign service, urban planning, and political analysis organizations. Many choose to attend graduate or law school after earning their CLU degrees.

It's great preparation for careers in politics and government, law and business-giving students the broad liberal arts background needed for work in a variety of fields. That's why political science is a sought-after major at Cal Lutheran.

The department offers unique opportunities to study political science and experience life in the political arena. Courses are offered in a number of areas including government, law and legal process, national and international politics, parties and public opinion, ancient and modern political thought, constitutional law, state and urban government & politics, ethnic politics, and the civil rights movement.

Students often find their coursework linking up with their studies in other departments, including law, business, philosophy, sociology, and history-making the study of political science a true exercise in liberal arts education. They're encouraged to earn credits through internships and courses taken at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, less than 10 minutes from campus-where they work as docents, assistant archivists, library and business office aides, and researchers.

Many political science majors participate in CLU's Washington Semester Program with the Lutheran Colleges Washington Consortium, spending a semester taking courses and interning in the nation's capital. Recent internships have included work in Congressional offices, the White House, District and U.S. courts, trade associations, news agencies, museums, the Republican National Committee, National Institutes of Health, and defense organizations.

By learning how to analyze the structures, processes and outcomes of governmental decisions, political science graduates are prepared for responsible roles in the political, economic and business life of the nation-wherever their careers may lead.

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32
Upper Division Credits: 20

Required Courses: Choose four credits from Political Science 102, 205, 210, 222;
Political Science 320;
Choose four credits from Political Science 321, 322, 324;
Political Science 476 (capstone);
Choose 16 credits of Political Science electives

Emphasis Options

Law and Public Policy
Minimum Credits: 32
Upper Division Credits: 20

Required Courses: Choose 4 credits from Political Science 102, 205, 210, 222; Political Science 320; choose 4 credits from Political Science 321, 322, 324; Political Science 476 (capstone); Political Science 105 or 207; choose 4 credits from Political Science 401, 403, 461 or 481; choose 4 credits from Political Science 208, 303, 412, 417; 4 units of Political Science electives from the above courses (or selected topics).

International Relations
Minimum Credits: 32
Upper Division Credits: 20

Required Courses: Choose four credits from Political Science 102, 205, 210, 222; Political Science 320; Choose four credits from Political Science 321, 322, 324; Political Science 476 (capstone); Two courses from Political Science 341, 360, 365, 367, 461, 482; Two courses from Political Science, 382, 384, 388, 443.