The political science major at Lehigh University is designed to promote not only an understanding of politics — ideas and ideals, perceptions and realities, institutions and processes — but also to develop skills in analyzing and evaluating social and political problems. Beyond the classroom, many political science professors are involved with student groups and current issue groups, and all faculty are readily available to talk with individual students.
Political science exposes you to various areas of inquiry in political institutions and political processes as well as in the comparative and philosophical perspectives of political analysis, has been the manner in which the goals of the major program generally have been achieved.
A variety of experiential opportunities are available to you as a political science major. For example, we offer a Community Politics Internship every semester that includes opportunities for placements in either local government, private agencies, or law offices. Students are also encouraged to apply for off-campus internship opportunities, e.g., American University’s Washington Semester Program and The Philadelphia Center’s Internship in Philadelphia.
Completion of the political science major is considered suitable training if you want to go to law school, maybe become a social science teacher, or to work as a governmental official, a public affairs commentator, or staff member of a government research bureau. The private sector also continues to provide opportunities in areas such as banking, insurance, and marketing for bachelor of arts graduates with training in the social sciences. Graduate study is advisable if you are considering certain careers: college teaching, research, or public administration, for example.