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.

No matter where you stand politically, careers with a bachelors in poli sci open up a wealth of options for all graduates. From career paths in social justice, law, and social work to becoming a lobbyist or serving in a political office, the rewards go far beyond just high earnings and great potential for advancement. If you are looking for one of the best political science schools in PA, LVC delivers.

Need-based departmental scholarships are available.

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Learn More About the Poli Sci Program

Students in this Bachelor of Arts program pursue internships, such as the prestigious Pennsylvania Legislative Fellowship; study abroad in cities like Maastricht, in the Netherlands; 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.

View Degree Requirements
Pre-Law Advising
Meet Our Faculty
LVC political science students attend annual European Union Simulation in Washington, DC

Real-World Experience

Research & Internships

As a poli sci 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 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.

Future-Ready Bachelors Degree

As AI reshapes careers across industries, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science helps you stay ahead of the curve. With AI skills now appearing in over 240% more job postings than in 2010, political science graduates are finding opportunities in tech policy, digital communications, data-driven research, and emerging areas like AI governance. It’s a flexible, future-ready degree for students who want relevance, impact, and career versatility in a rapidly changing world.

$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

No matter what your future holds, a bachelor’s degree from LVC is widely applicable to traditional and emerging career paths, from legal to ethics, and beyond. The choice is yours.

  • Government Official
  • Lawyer
  • Communications Executive
  • Nonprofit Administrator
  • Journalist
  • Digital Ethics & AI Governance Specialist
  • Social Media & Disinformation Strategist
  • Political Consultant
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Lobbyist
  • Educator
  • Election & Voting Technology Analyst
  • Data-Driven Public Policy Researcher

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
Tabitha Gilbert graduation
Political Science Graduate Accepts Legislative Role Focused on Energy
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
Tabitha Gilbert graduation
Political Science Graduate Accepts Legislative Role Focused on Energy
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

Think Globally, Act Locally

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

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.