Political Science
Political science is the study of political values, institutions, processes, and policies. We believe in a hands-on approach to this study, and our goal is to use foundational and contemporary political theories to hone your skills in critical and analytical thinking, quantitative assessment, writing, and speaking—all excellent preparation for a career or graduate study.
Why Choose a Degree in Political Science?
Our classes are small, which allows for significant student-faculty interaction. At Lewis & Clark, political science is an independent department, which means you have a broader, deeper range of courses and resources available to you.You can also specialize, if you like, in the study of American politics, comparative politics, public law, or political theory.
What You’ll Study
Our program offers a major and minor. The study of political science questions power, authority, social values, and political manipulation—the ways that societies determine their collective priorities and attempt to bring them into being. In our rigorous but supportive courses, you will investigate questions such as: How do democracies become authoritarian regimes? How does religiosity mediate political belief? Is there a constitutional right to privacy? What are the moral responsibilities of citizens in a democracy? How can we best understand and construct public policy? The department is organized into four major fields of study: American government and institutions, comparative politics, political theory, and public law. Other subfields—methodology, public policy, and political economy—intersect with these main areas and provide avenues for more focused and advanced specialization.
We believe in collaborating with students on research projects—whether through classes during the academic year, a paid humanities research summer program, or both—and helping them find and secure internships in Portland and beyond. Many of our students earn course credit while on an overseas program.
Outside the classroom, we host an annual political science Pictionary party, as well as presidential debate and election night watch parties. We also throw the best senior barbecue of any department at Lewis & Clark—or any political science department in the country (if you ask us)—with plenty of steak, salmon, and veggies.
Connect With Lewis & Clark!
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular minors for our political science majors are economics, environmental studies, and rhetoric and media studies.
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
Gabriel Lucich BA ’27More about GabrielWith political science, it’s like banging your head against the wall, but when you’re done with the painful part, you have far more insight into how a nation (dis)functions than the average person.
Olivia Weiss BA ’23More about OliviaEven now, as I try to make sense of whatever the latest unprecedented political crisis is, I find myself leaning on ideas I learned in college to help me understand the dynamics at play.
Valerie Naborska BA ’24More about ValerieMy political science professors reached out to me about the summer research opportunity, and I was lucky to have them apply for a grant to fund my research assistant position.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Political Science?
Our alumni use their BA in political science to pursue a wide range of careers in politics, law, education, journalism, business, and finance, among other fields. Some of our alumni have been awarded the competitive Rhodes Scholarship, and many go on to pursue advanced degrees.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Leah Gilbert More about LeahCultivating moments of serendipity is an integral part of the liberal arts. This is a key facet of L&C’s curriculum, where students are given the opportunity and directly encouraged to explore topics across diverse fields and ways of knowing.
Todd Lochner More about ToddI have collaborated with many students over the years, and I really love the enthusiasm, professionalism, and expertise they bring to my research.
Ellen Seljan More about EllenI love how appreciative Lewis & Clark students are of their own education. It is always obvious that they want to be here and that they want to learn. I love watching them grow throughout their four years here and getting to know them not just as students, but as people.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
Find Your People
Students can join a variety of student-run organizations that relate to their political science major. Don’t see what you’re looking for on the club list? Start something new and build your own community of peers!
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
Alex Scioscia BA ’21More about AlexThe resourcefulness that L&C directly and indirectly taught me has been the most important thing I learned and that I apply to my career.
Rosemary Elliott Political Science & Psychology BA ’19More about RosemaryLewis & Clark taught me that I’m always learning and changing, and to not be afraid of that change.
Amelia Madarang BA ’22More about AmeliaSince graduation, I have been in Hualien, Taiwan, as an English teaching assistant with Fulbright Taiwan.
Featured News
Reiko Hillyer, 2025 Oregon Book Award Finalist
Congratulations to Reiko Hillyer whose book A WALL IS JUST A WALL: THE PERMEABILITY OF THE PRISON IN THE TWENTIETH-CENTURY UNITED STATES (Duke University Press, 2024) is a finalist for the 2025 Oregon Book Awards in the category of General Nonfiction.
