Political Science Major
October 2, 2014 2025-02-16 16:15Political Science Major
Understand Politics and Governance
Political Science Major
Study political systems, policies, and global affairs.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
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.
Curriculum and Resources
2024-25 Academic Year Information
Program requirements for the following can be found in the undergraduate catalog.
- Political Science (BA)
What Jobs Can I Get With an Political Science Degree?
Interested in a career that combines your interests in politics and government while working for the greater good? A degree in political science can open up many opportunities, from working for a national party to running for office yourself. But you don’t have to be a senator or governor. Behind every public official is a team that coordinates the campaign, policy, and communications.
Political Science Careers and Salaries
Here are some potential career paths and their associated salaries that you can pursue with a political science degree:
- Politics: This is the most direct application of a political science degree. You could work at various levels of government, from local to national, or even international. Opportunities range from being a public official to working behind the scenes in roles such as campaign manager or policy analyst.
- Public Relations: A political science degree can be leveraged to work in public relations, where you’d be responsible for shaping public opinion and managing the image of individuals or organizations.
- Teaching: If you’re passionate about educating the next generation, a career in academia could be for you. You could become a political science professor, or a high school teacher specializing in civics or history.
- Finance: Your knowledge of government regulations and policies can be valuable in financial sectors, where you could work in roles such as compliance officer or financial analyst.
Each of these career paths offers unique opportunities for growth and learning. Salaries will vary depending on the specific role, location, and level of experience, but all offer competitive compensation.
A political science degree is more than a stepping stone to a career in politics. It equips you with transferable skills that are valued in many fields, offering a wide array of career possibilities.
- Budget/management analyst: $89,200
- Campaign manager: $63,541
- Communications director: $97,593
- Lobbyist: $77,845
- Media strategist: $76,566
Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.
David Richards, PhD
Lorna Dawson, PhD
Timothy Meinke, PhD
As a Lynchburg political science student, you'll:
“Choosing the University of Lynchburg was one of the greatest decisions I ever made in my life. "
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