College of Arts and Humanities
Political Science, BA
Bachelor’s Degree offered in On-campus format.
*On-campus format may require some online classes for degree completion.
Gain a deeper understanding of government, law, public policy, and global affairs while developing the critical thinking, research, and communication skills needed to lead in a changing world.
Lindenwood University’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science prepares students for careers in government, public service, nonprofit leadership, political campaigns, business, and law, all while building a strong foundation for graduate and law school.
Why Earn a Political Science Degree?
Political science explores how governments function, how laws are created and interpreted, and how citizens influence change. At Lindenwood, you’ll examine American government, constitutional law, public administration, international relations, political philosophy, and public policy while building practical skills in research, analysis, writing, persuasive communication, empathy, and leadership.
Whether you’re interested in public service, advocacy, business, or graduate study, you’ll graduate prepared to evaluate complex issues, solve problems thoughtfully, and communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
Learn Beyond the Classroom
Political science students have opportunities to apply what they learn through internships, civic engagement, research, and community involvement. Along the way, you may:
- Complete internships with government agencies, law firms, political campaigns, or community organizations
- Participate in political campaigns and voter engagement initiatives
- Conduct faculty-guided research
- Engage in community service projects
- Attend debates, guest speakers, and public policy discussions through campus organizations
These experiences help students build professional networks while developing leadership, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Explore Government, Law, and Public Policy
Lindenwood’s Political Science degree curriculum combines foundational coursework with opportunities to tailor your education around your interests. You’ll explore topics such as:
- American Government
- Comparative Politics
- Public Administration
- Constitutional Law
- Political Philosophy
- International Relations
- Campaigns and Elections
- Public Policy
- Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
- Geopolitics
- Intelligence and National Security
Students also complete a culminating experience while selecting electives that support their academic and career goals.
Customize Your Degree
Develop a global perspective by studying diplomacy, foreign policy, international cooperation, and conflict resolution. This emphasis prepares students for careers with government agencies, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, and multinational businesses, as well as graduate study.
Prepare to make an impact in mission-driven organizations through the Nonprofit Leadership Emphasis. Students develop practical skills in nonprofit advocacy, strategic planning, civic engagement, volunteer management, fundraising, grant writing, and public administration, building a strong foundation for careers in nonprofits, community organizations, and public service.
Build a strong law-school foundation through coursework in constitutional law, legal philosophy, political systems, and analytical reasoning while strengthening the research, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for legal study and law-related careers.
Learn From Faculty Who Invest in Your Success
Small classes mean you’re more than a number—you’re known. You’ll work closely with faculty who guide you through research, internships, career prep, and grad or law school planning, and who bring real experience in government, policy, and public affairs into every class.
Lindenwood’s political science faculty are recognized experts who regularly contribute to radio and television discussions on current events, public policy, and political issues, providing students with valuable insights that connect classroom learning to today’s political landscape.
A Strong Foundation for Law School and Graduate Study
Political science is one of the most respected undergraduate pathways for students planning to attend law school or graduate school. Lindenwood graduates have continued their education at highly competitive institutions, including Saint Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis, where they have pursued successful legal careers.
The program emphasizes analytical reasoning, research, persuasive writing, communication, and critical thinking—skills that are highly valued by law schools, graduate programs, and employers alike.
Career Opportunities with a Political Science Degree
A political science degree prepares graduates for careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The analytical, research, and communication skills developed throughout the program are highly transferable and in demand across a wide range of industries.
Graduates may pursue careers and opportunities such as:
- Law School
- Legislative Assistant
- Policy Analyst
- Public Administrator
- Government Relations Specialist
- Political Consultant
- Campaign Manager
- Intelligence Analyst
- Foreign Service Officer
- Nonprofit Director
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Community Relations Manager
Why Choose Lindenwood for Political Science?
At Lindenwood, you’ll receive a personalized education that combines academic rigor with meaningful real-world experiences. Through faculty mentorship, internship opportunities, and an engaging curriculum, you’ll graduate prepared to lead with confidence in government, law, business, nonprofit organizations, or graduate study.
Program highlights include:
- Small class sizes and individualized faculty mentorship
- Internship opportunities with government agencies, campaigns, and nonprofit organizations
- Pre-Law and International Relations emphasis options
- Opportunities to participate in civic engagement and community service
- Faculty recognized as experts in media and public affairs
- Preparation for graduate school and law school
Frequently Asked Questions
A Bachelor of Arts in Political Science prepares graduates for careers in government, public policy, nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, business, and law. Common career paths include policy analyst, legislative assistant, public administrator, government relations specialist, campaign manager, intelligence analyst, and nonprofit leader. Many graduates also continue their education in law school or graduate programs.
Yes. Political science is one of the most common undergraduate majors for students planning to attend law school. The program develops the critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research, and writing skills that law schools value while providing a strong foundation in constitutional law, political philosophy, and the American legal system.
Students explore topics including American government, constitutional law, nonprofit leadership, public administration, public policy, international relations, political philosophy, campaigns and elections, political psychology, and comparative politics. Throughout the program, students build skills in research, communication, analysis, and leadership that prepare them for a variety of careers and graduate study.
Yes. Students can customize their degree by choosing an emphasis in Pre-Law, International Relations, and Nonprofit Ledership. These emphasis areas allow students to align their coursework with their career goals while gaining specialized knowledge in their chosen field.
Political science students have opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships, civic engagement, faculty-guided research, political campaigns, community service, and campus organizations. These experiences help students build professional networks while applying classroom knowledge in meaningful ways.
Lindenwood’s Political Science program combines small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, internship opportunities, and an engaging curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in government, public service, business, and law. Students also benefit from faculty who are recognized as experts in their fields and from a program where 100% of surveyed graduates are employed or continuing their education.
Arts and Humanities Social Media
Shenika Harris, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, College of Arts and Humanities