Political Science Department
Contact Information
Joy M. Jacobs-Lawson
Division Chair of Social Sciences
jjacobslawson@bellarmine.edu
502.272.7901
The Department of Political Science explores the institutions, ideas, and processes that shape political life at the local, national, and global levels. Faculty expertise spans American government, law, political theory, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, and research methodology, providing students with a broad understanding of political systems and the many approaches used to study them.
Political science is the study of governments, public policies, political behavior, and the forces that influence political decision-making. The discipline encompasses diverse fields including political theory and philosophy, political economy, policy analysis, comparative politics, and international relations. Faculty and students employ both humanistic and scientific perspectives, using a variety of methodological approaches to examine political systems and dynamics across countries and regions of the world.
Through coursework, research opportunities, internships, and co-curricular activities, the department encourages civic engagement and informed participation in public life. Students develop strong writing, communication, analytical, and data literacy skills that prepare them for graduate and professional study, including law school, as well as careers in government, public service, business, advocacy, and other fields where an understanding of politics and political systems is essential.