Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

BA in Political Science

Bachelor of Arts
University of Lynchburg

The political science major has four basic objectives: to explore the nature of politics–its purposes, limitations, and significance; to promote understanding of the various forms of political regimes and movements; to examine current trends and persistent patterns in the relations of nation-states; and to develop a capacity for intelligent evaluation of public policies and an awareness of opposing points of view. Throughout, the major emphasizes moral questions in politics and the place of fundamental ideas about human nature, justice, and the purposes of government.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and University of Lynchburg within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
BA in Political Science
120
Political Science
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 90 credits may be applied to this program.
University DELL Requirements
31
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Please Note: A course used in one area of study cannot be used in any other areas of study within the DELL curriculum. Each course will only count in one area of study.
CORE Requirements - COMM
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE Requirements - ENG
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
CORE Requirements - DELL Seminars
6
First year or Transfer Seminar
3
First Year Seminar
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Transfer Seminar
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Senior Seminar
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Fine Arts and Humanities
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Language and Intercultural Competence
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Quantitative Reasoning
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Scientific Literacy
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Social Science Literacy
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Political Science Core
36
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Take all of the following courses.
Introductory Sequence
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Upper Level Courses
9
Earn 9 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
American Politics
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose two from the following
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Political Philosophy
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose one from the following
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Comparative Politics
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose one from the following
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
International Relations and Foreign Policy
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose one from the following
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Major Electives
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose two from the following (cannot include courses taken for previous requirements)
Earn 6 credits: Complete the following
Earn 6 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Category list:
OR
Complete courses from the following Department:
General Electives
53
Earn 53 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between University of Lynchburg and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name Type Title
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement - Virginia Community College System and University of Lynchburg

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of a transferrable Associate's degree will award students credit for general education requirements except for the senior capstone course.

No distinction will be made by the University of Lynchburg regarding college courses applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree that are taken through dual enrollment arrangements with high schools.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School No distinction will be made by the University of Lynchburg regarding college courses applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree that are taken through dual enrollment arrangements with high schools.
Credit for Prior Learning Credits awarded for transferrable courses with a grade of "C" or higher.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: University of Lynchburg
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
90
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
93%
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Lynchburg is a nationally recognized private university where students gain a greater heart for humanity and a mindset of individual growth. Here, thought-provoking learning ignites change in each individual, and the world. We combine traditional classroom instruction with experiential learning and real-world applications bringing a hands-on, multi-faceted approach that serves our students best today and for the rest of their lives. We’re a tight-knit community that’s accepting and inviting. We’re socially responsible and active, and don’t hesitate to stand up and speak out for what’s just and right. Pride and belonging are important at Lynchburg.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determind by first semester of enrollment
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalogue determined by first semester of enrollment
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.lynchburg.edu/undergraduate-admission/for-applicants/transfer-and-access-adult-student-guide/guaranteed-admission-for-vccs-associate-degrees/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Science in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBA in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate in Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social SciencesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeGeneral Studies, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeSocial Sciences, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeSocial Sciences: Political Science Specialization, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and SciencesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts & Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Arts - Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearOnline
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearOnline
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - Social SciencesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearOnline
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Social SciencesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree Social ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political Science, Major in International AffairsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political Science, Major in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Pol Science:Global Politics BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science: Global Politics BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science: Pre-Law BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science: Pre-Law BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in Social Science, Major in GovernmentBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryGovernment - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityPolitical Science-BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Online
Old Dominion UniversityPolitical Science-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
University of Mary WashingtonBA in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Political Science and International Relations (BA)BachelorBachelor of Art4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegePolitical Science Major - BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Arts Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Political Science (Minor Required)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Civil Rights, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Comparative Politics, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Human Security, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in International Relations, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Political Theory and Methodology, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Politics and Government, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Public Policy and Administration, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in U.S. Government, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityApplied History Social Sciences (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityHistory (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityInterdisciplinary History and Integrative Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityInterdisciplinary History and Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityInterdisciplinary Mathematics & Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityPhysics (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegePolitical Science (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9199.11Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site ManagersPlan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.Management Occupations
11-9199.02Compliance ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.Management Occupations
11-9199.08Loss Prevention ManagersPlan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.Management Occupations
11-9199.00Managers, All OtherAll managers not listed separately.Management Occupations
25-1065.00Political Science Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-3094.00Political ScientistsStudy the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, 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.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.01Regulatory Affairs ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.Management Occupations
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-4061.00Social Science Research AssistantsAssist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.10Wind Energy Development ManagersLead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.Management Occupations
11-9199.09Wind Energy Operations ManagersManage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.Management Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the BA in Political Science at University of Lynchburg
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $18,375 Per Semester $147,000 $0 $147,000 Per semester tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Additional fees may include parking fee ($100-$300) and program specific fees.
  • Part-Time Tuition - 7 or Less Hours
    • $575.00 per credit for traditional students (under 25)
  • Part-Time Tuition - 8 Hours or More
    • $1150.00 per credit for traditional students (under 25)
  • Part-Time Tuition - ACCESS Students (25 or older)
    • $530.00 per credit
  • Second Degree Nursing Students
    • $590.00 per credit
  • Overload Fee
    • $555.00 per credit (> 18 credits)
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.