The criminology & criminal justice program at Cal Lutheran incorporates an internship as part of graduation requirements, which pushes students to gain work experience and helps them stand out from the rest upon graduating. The political science program also has interesting travel seminars and experiential learning opportunities like Model United Nations and Urban Politics in Washington D.C.
Through the political science program, I learned how to work in a team environment and work collaboratively with my peers. I also honed my writing skills which collectively allowed me to thrive in my internship and will allow me to succeed in my fellowship role in Sacramento.
Growing up in the disadvantaged and marginalized community of Nyeland Acres in Ventura County, I never saw women, let alone women of color, represented in the legal field. The lack of representation in my community left a profound impact on me and made me aware of the systemic barriers and biases that hinder minorities from pursuing their dreams. With a deep commitment to social justice and a desire to utilize the law as a tool for positive change, political science provides me with the necessary tools and perspectives to pursue a career dedicated to advancing justice and equality.
Through extracurriculars like Model UN, I gained public speaking experience, and the interdisciplinary nature of the global studies major allowed me to explore multiple areas of study that helped make me a well-rounded candidate for master’s programs and the job market.
Studying philosophy not only laid the foundation for my critical thinking skills, but it has also allowed me to think about the law in a broader way. Even more practically, studying philosophy was extremely useful in preparing for the LSAT and succeeding in rule-based reasoning that is inherent in legal practice.Through the political science department I was able to participate in the Lutheran College Washington Semester in D.C. and the Oxford program (virtually) as well as work in various internships like with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles County Public Defender. All the professors in the department helped me identify my passions and pursue my goals by encouraging me to do things that I never thought I could do.
I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was little, and interested in politics for just as long. The political science department has kept my peers and me engaged with certain topics and guided us with helpful advice and support. Through both faculty and student-led productions, informative field trips, and a wide range of classes, I’ve also gotten a well-rounded education in Theatre Arts, as well as an incredible environment.
The entire Political Science Department has really helped me get to where I am today. The outcomes of graduates with a political science degree from Cal Lutheran are great.
I chose my majors (Political Science and Psychology) because I have always wanted to make a difference in the world by being aware of the political systems in place and what is going on in people’s minds. My majors intrigue and challenge me to pursue a career where I can positively impact the world and the people around me.
I definitely recommend the political science program for anyone wanting to experience a semester someplace different and gain valuable work experience in a field you’re interested in! Our Political Science Department sets students up well for life after graduation and demonstrates the many different fields we can work in.
Through my participation in the College Republican club I was able to attend the Republican Presidential Debate at the Reagan Library. I volunteered in the spin room and was able to assist the staff by guiding the candidates into the spin room and to the different media outlets.
I love that I am able to have one major that is specifically focused on one area of study, but that I am also in the position to incorporate an interdisciplinary major such as Global Studies into my academic experience at Cal Lutheran. I believe this will broaden both my appeal to potential employers, as well as my overall world-view.