Political Science

The Lehigh University major in political science 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.

About the Majors
The political science major encourages the study of the theories, processes, and institutions of government both at home and abroad which cultivates the ability to conceptualize and to think critically.

Facilities and Related Opportunities
The department commons room provides an informal atmosphere where students can read about current world political events and engage in discussions with other students and faculty. The World-View Room provides international news broadcasts on a large-screen television in an environment conducive to discussion.

Professor publishes book on aging from variety of ethnic perspectives

Laura Katz Olson, professor of political science at Lehigh University, has published a new book titled Age Through Ethnic Lenses: Caring for the Elderly in a MultiCultural Society, by Rowman and Littlefield. The edited volume analyzes the diverse approaches of caring for the frail elderly among the various racial, ethnic, socio-religious and other groups in the United States.

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Internship, Research, and Study-Abroad Opportunities
The department offers a community politics internship every semester that includes opportunities for placement in either local government, private agencies or law offices. Political science students are also eligible to participate in the Washington Semester and the Philadelphia Urban Semester programs, which involve full-time, off-campus internship studies. Other experiential learning opportunities, such as honors projects and independent studies, are available.

Five-Year Programs and Selected Double Majors
Political science is commonly a double major with economics, English, philosophy or environmental sciences.

Individually Structured Programs
Individual programs of study can be designed that emphasize areas of interest to the student, if the subject coincides with the expertise of a member of the faculty.

Pursuing a Career or Further Education
The undergraduate political science degree is appropriate training for law school, social science teaching, or work as a government official, party or civic leader, public affairs commentator, or staff member of a government research bureau. In addition, the private sector provides opportunities in areas such as banking, insurance, and marketing for B.A. graduates in the social sciences. Graduate study is also a natural extension of the undergraduate program.