Exploring the Structures for Society

Major: Political Science
Minors: Political Science | American Politics | World Politics | Legal Studies | International Studies

Lycoming’s political science department gives students the tools to not only be consumers of political theory, but active producers and participants in political research and application. Political science majors will study the overarching complexities of political values, institutions, processes, and policies, while developing their critical thinking, oral and written communication, and informational literacy skills. Our curriculum also allows students to customize their path by focusing on two to four principle areas: American studies, international relations, comparative politics, or legal studies. Whether our students come in pursuing a specific career in law or government or have a broader interest in political science, close mentorship from faculty advisers will help them discover the program of study right for them. Whichever approach they take, they will end their senior year with a unique capstone course in which they will work closely with a professor to produce an original research project in an area they are passionate about—a personal experience that enables our graduates to stand out in the workforce and graduate school environment.

Student Opportunities

  • Gain real world, hands-on experience on campus and in the local community by conducting polls, surveys, and needs assessments.
  • Take a May Term travel course or spring break trip to the Dominican Republic to help coffee farmers get better prices for their coffee and participate in quality of life projects, such as installing solar systems to bring power to remote communities.
  • Collaborate with faculty on research initiatives on both the local and international level.
  • Sit in on lectures and attend events featuring high-profile politicians, scholars and alumni.
  • Become a leader or active participant in interdisciplinary programs such as the Warrior Coffee Project.
  • Learn firsthand how sustainable international development can be consistent with local for-profit aims through our Alabaster Coffee Roaster and Tea Company partnership.
  • Gain teaching experience as a tutor in the Academic Resource Center.
  • Become an International Development Fellow post-graduation to initiate an original, sustainable development project of your own in the Dominican Republic.
  • Travel to the nation’s capitol — Washington D.C. —to intern at the White House or Congress, or with various federal agencies or interest groups that focus on domestic or foreign policy, international development, economic policy, science and technology, or American studies.

Why Lycoming?

  1. Abundant opportunities to develop applied skills such as sustainable international development, quantitative analysis, and survey research make our students well rounded and marketable to future employers and graduate schools.
  2. Law-school bound students get a jump-start in developing crucial skills like legal research, writing, presenting, and case briefing, making them more competitive amongst their peers.
  3. Small class sizes stimulate engaging discussion and increase opportunities for field experiences and one-on-one mentorship.
  4. All classes are taught by professors with the highest degree in their field and decades of practical experience.
  5. Our Williamsport, PA location provides easy access to opportunities, serving as the county seat and a federal hub for northcentral Pennsylvania. It is also less than two hours from our state capital (Harrisburg), in close proximity to key players in the energy industry, and just three hours from both Washington, D.C. and New York City.

Why Lycoming is the Right Choice →