Political Science

What Is Political Science?

The LMU political science major provides academic challenge, real world knowledge, and a host of exciting opportunities. Our courses enable students to understand how decisions are made, how they can influence those decisions, and how values and beliefs affect the choices we make. Political Science offers tools to solve problems that affect people locally, nationally, and globally.

The Political Science major challenges students to think in new ways about a variety of issues, and provides students the chance to learn with professors who are committed to providing dynamic and passionate learning environments. Students discuss the headlines of the day with peers and professors, learn through simulation what it is like to perform the jobs of the president or a member of Congress, study and work in London and Washington, D.C., learn how to craft policy, and write a proposal to develop a nonprofit organization. Students also work to understand international governments and the affect government and non-government organizations have on the world stage.

 

What Do Political Science Majors Do?

Political Science majors wrestle with the crucial questions of the times, such as: Are YouTube, Facebook and Twitter the political communication tools of the future? Is the United States in decline? Why are women underrepresented in U.S. and global politics?

Majors also consider how ethics and morals affect political decisions, why the United States government is gridlocked by partisan fighting, whether the world is moving toward a standard of universal human rights, and whether terrorism can be controlled.

 

Is This Major Right For You?

You might be a Political Science major if you:

  • Enjoy examining political debates
  • Can find innovative solutions and think "out of the box"
  • Like American history and learning about the legal system
  • Want to know more about other countries and international relations
  • Are interested in examining moral and ethical issues
  • Enjoy conducting research and would like to hone your analytical and writing skills

 

About Our Faculty

Our faculty members teach according to each student's needs and educational and professional goals. In addition, faculty members are committed to advising, encouraging and supporting students every step of the way. Two of our professors have won LMU's highest teaching honor and all of our professors have had their research published.

Professors are active researchers and often are called upon by the news media to give expert opinions on local, national, and world events.

 

About Our Students and Graduates


LMU students majoring or minoring in Political Science learn how to become active citizens and professionals. Students come to understand how to analyze and think critically, skills valuable to any career. Graduates go on to careers in the Foreign Service, human rights, law, politics, public interest, public policy, marketing, research, and social work.


Our students earn internships locally with private law firms, businesses, and non-profit groups in Southern California; nationally at the White House, State Department, and Justice Department; and internationally at the British Parliament in London and other overseas legislative bodies. Several political science majors have won grants to pursue creative projects of their choice. Recently, funds were granted to conduct research in Mexico and Peru, start a farmer's market, and make a documentary film. Several students have won awards such as the Fulbright, Oxfam Change, and Rotary Scholarship.

 

Representative Courses

Our courses have included:

  • American Politics
  • Comparative Politics
  • Comparative Foreign Governments
  • Politics in the Middle East
  • Ethics of War
  • Human Nature and Politics
  • Civil Rights Movements
  • Courts, Law, and Society
  • The Law and Presidential Power
  • Congressional Politics
  • New Social Movements
  • Media and Politics
  • Constitutional Law 
  • Independent Studies

 

 

More Resources (Links)

  • Institute for Leadership Studies