Political science majors focus on political systems and the ideas that bring them into being, transform them, and sustain them. Group power—the 'how' and 'why' of collective decision making—is considered, as well as the ethics of power. Justice, order, identity, equality, citizenship, and community are also studied.
You will develop the habit of clear thought, rigorous analysis, and effective debate. Join us as we explore the practical and ethical dimensions of contemporary issues and compare political systems worldwide.
The political science major at Lyon provides small class sizes in which faculty become familiar with student interests and career goals, a senior seminar “capstone” experience to complete the major, and the opportunity to present their scholarship at professional political science conferences. While these are not necessarily “unique” individually, it is rare to find them all put together in this fashion at an institution.
Political science students have attended Nichols trips to Germany, Austria, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Pi Sigma Alpha is the only honor society for college and university students of political science in the U.S. Its purpose is to encourage and recognize superior achievement in the study of government and politics at the undergraduate and graduate level. Members must have attained at least junior status, a “B” average in at least 10 credits of political science courses, and an overall GPA rank in the top third of their class.
Majors also have the opportunity to work with political science faculty in Model U.N. and moot court.
From current students:
“Lyon’s political science major has helped me to better understand how different governments function, how political ideologies form, and how many prominent nations have evolved over time. If you enjoy learning about history, political philosophy, and government, the political science major is for you.”
Graduate schools: Harvard Kennedy School, Vanderbilt University, U.C. Berkley, University of Arkansas
Law schools: Washington University School of Law, Yale Law School, Cornell University, Vermont Law School, Washington and Lee University School of Law, William H. Bowen School of Law, University of Arkansas School of Law, Georgetown Law
Employers of recent Lyon College Political ScienceGraduates include:
White House Communications Office, Clinton Foundation, Talk Business & Politics, Monitoring and Evaluation for European Commission in Horn of Africa
John D. Trimble, Sr., Professor of Political Philosophy Dr. Scott M. Roulier; Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Jaeyun Sung; Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Brendan Connell
For more information on the required courses for a Political Science major, view our courses page.
Some popular careers for political science majors include:
The starting median salary in the U.S. for a college graduate with a Political Science degree is $40,800.
Paralegal- $48,000
Associate Attorney- $72,000
Management Consultant- $83,000
Corporate Counsel- $107,000
Legal Assistant- $40,000
For more information on admissions to Lyon College, visit our Admissions page.