Program Overview
The Government major is the systematic study of political actors, decisions, behavior and institutions. Students will use lenses from political science to explain, analyze and interpret public policy, international relations, elections, conflict, political beliefs, news, pop culture, classical philosophy, and more. Many students study abroad and complete hands-on internships with government agencies, international organizations, think-tanks, and non-profits. Graduates go on to a wide variety of careers, including public office, law, diplomacy, business, policy analysis, political consulting, foreign service, education, non-profit work, global public health, and social work.
Program Highlights
Learn with Supportive Faculty
Collaborate closely with faculty who provide guidance, mentorship, and encouragement throughout your studies.
Explore Politics That Matter
Choose from a wide range of courses examining relevant political issues, institutions, ideas, and global challenges.
Pursue Meaningful Research
Investigate a political question that interests you through independent research shaped around your goals.
Take Your Learning Beyond Campus
Expand your perspective through study abroad, off-campus programs, and internships that connect political study with real-world experience.
Spotlight
Lawrentian Spotlight
Student Perspective
“Lawrence taught me that University has the opportunity to change lives for the better, and I now participate in that work.”
Kelsi Bryant ‘22, Graduate Student
Government Major
St. Louis, Missouri
Types of Degrees
Government majors can choose electives from across the subfields of political science, including American politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. There is also a minor in Government.
Advising
At Lawrence, academic advising helps you shape an educational experience that reflects your interests, goals, and aspirations. Your faculty advisor will support you as you plan your path, connect with campus resources and communities, and make informed decisions that prepare you for a meaningful and fulfilling future.
Get Started
Fill out the form below and a Lawrence University academic advisor will be in touch shortly!
Faculty
Engage deeply and collaboratively with professors who are experts in their field and committed to supporting your education.
Chair(s)
Jason Brozek
Stephen Edward Scarff Professor of International Affairs and Associate Professor of Government
Jason Brozek is Associate Professor of Government and Stephen Edward Scarff Professor of International Affairs, and since joining the faculty in 2008, has taught courses on global politics, international law,…
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Ameya S. Balsekar
Associate Professor of Government
My interests are in the sub-field of Comparative Politics, with a focus on developing countries, the politics of identity, political rhetoric, and constitution-making. I also teach courses on democracies and…
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Claudena Skran (she/her)
Edwin & Ruth West Professor of Economics and Social Science and Professor of Government
Claudena Skran is Director of the Business & Entrepreneurship program and Professor of Government and the Edwin and Ruth West Professor of Economics and Social Science.As a the Director of…
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Jason Brozek
Stephen Edward Scarff Professor of International Affairs and Associate Professor of Government
Jason Brozek is Associate Professor of Government and Stephen Edward Scarff Professor of International Affairs, and since joining the faculty in 2008, has taught courses on global politics, international law,…
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Nicholas L. Aschbrenner
Stephen Edward Scarff Memorial Visiting Professor
nicholas.l.aschbrenner@lawrence.edu
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Steven Wulf
Associate Professor of Government
Professor Wulf's teaching focuses on political philosophy and constitutional law. He has published A Philosophical Theory of Citizenship and a variety of articles addressing political authority, obligation, rights, constitutions, and epistemology.…
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William Hixon
Gordon R. Clapp Chair of American Studies and Associate Professor of Government
Bill Hixon is the Gordon R. Clapp Professor of American Studies, Associate Professor of Government, and a member of the Environmental Studies faculty at Lawrence University. His teaching areas include…
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Learning Spaces
Some students do hands-on policy work and an internship through the Washington, DC Semester.
The Washington Semester enables students to participate in a thematic program of study at the American University in Washington, D.C. In addition to the core seminar, students pursue an internship related to the program topic and an independent study project. The Lawrence-approved program tracks are: American Politics, International Environment and Development, International Law and Organizations, Justice and Law, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Islam and World Affairs Foreign Policy, and Global Economics and Business.
