Political Science Degree

The political science program at Liberty University prepares students for careers in federal, state, and local governments, as well as law, business, international organizations, nonprofit associations, campaign management and polling, journalism, electoral politics, and more. The program focuses the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Program courses include: political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of political institutions and processes. Get more details below including other Virginia colleges that offer political science degrees.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Liberty University

13101 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Chester, VA

Liberty University is the largest Evangelical Christian University in the world. Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. founded Liberty University in 1971 as a religious co-educational institution with a mission to train and develop young Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge and skills needed to impact the future. Located on a 6,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, this private college offers more than 60 accredited programs of study.

History

A center of commerce in the 19^th Century, the city of Lynchburg, Virginia was established in 1786 at the site of Lynch's Ferry on the James River.  Thomas Jefferson's private country retreat, known as Poplar Forest, is located just outside Lynchburg and is an easy drive from Liberty University.  Jefferson's renowned Monticello estate is located in Charlottesville, an hour's drive north of Lynchburg.

The area around Lynchburg is quite rich with cultural opportunities and sites of American History, with Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C., both a four-hour drive away.  The Appomattox Court House National Historic Park is located just north of Lynchburg and boasts a historical village that has preserves the history of General Lee's surrender to Lt. General Grant towards the end of the Civil War.

Academics

Liberty University offers 135 areas for undergraduate study, 90 areas for graduate study, and four doctoral programs.  It offers both campus-based and online degree programs.  Additionally, Liberty offers a diploma program for students seeking a complete overview of the English Bible. All faculty members hold advanced degrees and, in addition to a commitment to teaching excellence, have demonstrated a born-again relationship with Christ.

Liberty's academic services and programs include:

• Center for Academic Support and Advising Services (CASAS)
• Center for Research and Scholarship
• Graduate Senate
• University Writing Program
• Institutional Review Board
• Quality Enhancement Plan
• Office of the Registrar
• Study Abroad Program

Colleges / Schools

Liberty University has several colleges and schools offering 37 majors with various areas of specialization or concentration.  Liberty students may also choose from among more than 52 academic minors.

• School of Aeronautics
• College of Arts & Sciences
• Helms School of Government
• Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
• School of Business
• School of Communication
• School of Education
• School of Engineering and Computational Sciences
• School of Law
• School of Religion

Students who wish to pursue a more individualized course of study, may work through the Center for Academic Support and Advising Services (CASAS) to obtain a bachelor's degree in General Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies.

Student Life

Liberty University offers many academic organizations and clubs, as well as opportunities to volunteer for social causes.  Opportunities for campus recreation include various cafes, recreation and fitness facilities at LaHaye Student Union.  Other student activities include horseback riding, whitewater rafting trips, water skiing, video game tournaments and paintball, to name a few.

The LaHaye Ice Center is available for skating and athletic events, and Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre's Ski Slope offers year-round skiing, snow boarding and tubing.

Liberty University is dedicated to both academics and faith, and The Spiritual Life Department provides a variety of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism opportunities for students and their families.  The Campus Pastor's Office provides a Prayer Room, pastoral counseling, discipleship services and crisis intervention.  There also are Spiritual Life Director and Prayer Leader programs where students can lead prayer groups and provide ministry.  Light Ministries provides programs in cross-cultural ministry through short-term missions.

Traditions

Liberty University's traditions are termed "distinctives" - doctrines that set it apart from other Christian schools in America.  Liberty's "distinctives" are: Academic excellence, a commitment to training champions for Christ, an action-oriented curriculum, a Christian worldview, high behavioral standards, a modest dress code, a highly-qualified and non-tenured teaching faculty, 20 competitive NCAA Division I athletic programs, reasonable tuition costs, and required attendance at chapels and convocations.

Athletics

A variety of intercollegiate and intramural athletic programs are available to Liberty students. The home of the Liberty Flames athletic teams, Liberty University has achieved great success in college athletics.  It has 20 NCAA Division Athletic programs, 20 Club Sports and 19 Intramural Sports.  Many Liberty University athletes have gone into professional sports including former Atlanta Braves first baseman Sid Bream, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Randy Tomlin, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Kelvin Edwards, former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver James McKnight, among others.

Community Life

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the south bank of James River, Liberty University offers a safe, scenic and historic community to its students.  Lynchburg has four colleges or universities in its midst and was ranked the second-best "Small City" by Money Magazine.  Living costs in the Lynchburg area are relatively low, and students can enjoy many free or inexpensive local events and outdoor recreational activities.

On Liberty University's 6,000-acre campus, students will enjoy a hike or bike ride on one of the many tracks or roads of the Liberty Mountain Trail System.

Students Enrolled in the Political Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Liberty University has offered the following degree levels for students:

• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Political Scientists

Description

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, political scientists employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -2.3% from 2014 to 2024

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).