UG.BA.POLSCI - Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

The mission of the Political Science Department at California Lutheran University is to provide a personalized education of distinction that fosters students’ intellectual and critical powers, and develop their capacities to apply the study of politics to the conditions of political life. The six program goals are:

1. reflect on the relationship between ethics and politics;

2. develop individual powers of inquiry and critical thought;

3. achieve a breadth of knowledge about the world and its diversity;

4. relate theories of politics to the practice of everyday life;

5. understand at least one primary research method appropriate to the study of politics; 

6. examine the relationship of a selected area of investigation to the broader study of politics.

In service to this mission, the curriculum and program activities promote an understanding and appreciation of civic engagement/global citizenship, diversity, and experiential learning. The Department is committed to the belief that it is important to link scholarship, teaching and applied knowledge to the academic study of politics. To fulfill this spirit, there is a required experiential learning component in the program, such as off-campus studies, internships, or other experiential activities. Students are offered opportunities to study abroad, engage in community development and service projects, and intern or volunteer at law firms, non-profit organizations, or governmental agencies in Washington, DC, and throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. 

The Department of Political Science courses offer students content material that challenges their academic capacities in liberal learning and engages their understanding of an increasingly global and diverse world from disciplinary and multi-disciplinary perspectives.  Developing principled civic leaders and engaged stakeholders is a strong commitment in our program.

1. The purpose of the International Relations emphasis is for students to delve into actors, institutions and processes that impact the intersection of local, domestic, and global political life, including international organizations, immigration and diaspora, terrorism, human rights, and global resources. This track is geared towards students who have an interest in careers such as international affairs, foreign policy, and non-profits.

2. The purpose of the Law and Public Policy emphasis is for students to examine the practice and application of politics, including the values, norms, institutions, and processes that shape political decision-making, laws, and the allocation of resources. This track is geared towards students who have an interest in careers such as law, advocacy, government, public service, and non-profits.