"Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit and intelligence of the citizens." - Supreme Court Justice, Joseph Story
Politics shapes and characterizes our individual rights and responsibilities within our communities. They're the center of our societal relationships, economy, national identity, and how we interact with other nations, and the people working in this area—both as elected officials and behind the scenes—will play a key role in defining our future.
At Lincoln Memorial University, we are proud to equip the politicians of tomorrow with the tools to truly make a difference. In our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science program, you will learn in small classes (averaging 14 students), with an emphasis on personal attention, building lasting relationships and learning lessons you can carry for life.
Our curriculum digs into fundamental political questions like "Why do human beings need government?" and "How can we prevent war?" You'll explore topics like:
- governmental operations
- how politics supports law and policy-making
- the American Constitution and the institutions and processes it produced
- interactions between nations and how other governments differ from our own.
Working with our expert faculty and your fellow students, you will develop the skill and knowledge to think, speak and act more thoughtfully in the realm of politics and regarding issues that Americans face every day. Plus, if you are interested in using your political science degree as a foundation for a legal career, you will have priority admission into LMU's Duncan School of Law (DSOL).
Your political career begins here at LMU. Take your first steps today.
Admission Requirements
Review our list of requirements below to ensure that you are eligible for the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program at LMU. To qualify for regular admission into LMU, you must meet the following criteria:
- Completed high school with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.2. ACT/SAT test scores are optional; scores sent to the Office of Admissions will be reviewed on an individual case-by-case basis.
- General Education Development (GED) examination with a score of at least 45, and no lower than 35.
If you are a transfer student, qualifying for regular admission into LMU requires you to meet the following criteria:
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.4 on all previous college-level work.
Note: If you have completed at least 15 semester credit hours of potentially transferable seated, college-level coursework at an accredited/approved college or university, you will be considered for regular transfer admission at LMU.
How to Apply
For admission into the Political Science program, you must apply through the LMU portal. Your application must be completed for entry. We recommend completing your application prior to the last year of your high school education.
Want to explore our educational opportunities regarding cost and tuition? We've got you covered.
We can also provide application assistance if needed. Don't hesitate to reach out!
Program Outcomes
As a political science major from LMU, a variety of opportunities await you. Many of our past graduates have gone on to pursue our Master of Science in Criminal Justice or Master of Public Administration programs. Both are currently available in a fully online, 16-month format. Others have pursued further education through a juris doctor (JD) degree, especially at LMU's Duncan School of Law (DSOL).
If you'd rather begin your career right away after graduation, you'll be ready to go to work in multi-national organizations working with government relations, advocacy, contracting, conflict management and the growing healthcare sector. In accordance with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, political scientist employment is expected to grow 5% between 2018 and 2028. In addition to finding work in local, state and federal government, you may even consider pursuing a career as a(n):
- attorney
- consultant
- teacher
- journalist
- law enforcement officer
- lobbyist
- researcher
- archivist
- banker
- business administrator
- activist
Get Early Entry to Law School
Let your political science degree kickstart your legal education and career: the Early Entry Program to the LMU Duncan School of Law (DSOL) will allow you, as an undergraduate student, to apply, be accepted into and begin pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at LMU DSOL before graduating with your undergraduate degree.
As an LMU graduate, you will have priority admission into the LMU DSOL. Once you have completed your political science degree, you will be well prepared to pursue a variety of graduate programs like law school, Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, and Master of Arts and Ph.D programs in political science.
You can also pursue a minor in our Pre-Law program.
Contact Us
Want to learn more about our political science program? Reach out to us at any time and we would be happy to help!
Dr. Benjamin Mabry
Assistant Professor of Political Science & Program Director for Political Science
Phone: 423.869.7427
Email: Benjamin.Mabry@LMUnet.edu