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Political Science Degree (BS, BA, Minor)

"Politics is the master science upon which all of civilization depends."

The philosopher Aristotle said this thousands of years ago, and it still holds true. How society is organized, who holds power, and how that is decided: these essential questions dominate political science and have a huge impact on our lives. Fully understanding political science can be a benefit to a number of careers in politics, law, and public service.

Lincoln University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Political Science. You can also get a minor in this field. You'll learn about the theory, development, and implementation of a wide range of political systems, ranging from the systems that governed the ancient world to the modern systems that are shaping our society today.

The Political Science major program is part of the Political Science Department. Reach out to the department if you have specific questions, or learn more about the program, courses, and requirements in the current academic year University Catalog. You may also view program outcomes below.

Upon graduation with your Political Science degree, you'll have developed a deeper understanding of the many different approaches to governing and organizing society and the ways people struggle for and maintain power—and how some use that power to benefit their fellow man. You will be able to apply that understanding to a range of impactful and important jobs that will give you the opportunity to improve communities and people's lives.

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Program Outcomes

Graduating with a major in political science will help you develop the following skills and practices:

  • You will be prepared to define knowledge of American domestic political institutions, such as the US Presidency, the US Congress, and the US Judiciary, as well as their constitutional foundations.
  • You will analyze and evaluate classical and modern political theories.
  • You will compare and contrast presidential and parliamentary systems of government.
  • You will conduct in-depth country studies in all areas of the world.
  • You will differentiate between the principles of realism and idealism in relation to international decision-making.
  • You will apply quantitative and/or qualitative research techniques in producing an empirical research project theory.

Courses and Requirements

Please see the current academic year University Catalog for more information on program requirements and detailed course descriptions.