
Bachelor’s Degrees in Government
Overview
Assume the Mantle of Leadership with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government
Does the thought of being a catalyst for positive change and growth in our government excite you? If you have ever wished to be involved in making decisions and affecting the future of our country, then a bachelor’s degree in government might be for you. You can explore first-hand the processes and functions of government and will have the opportunity to put your knowledge to use.
Additionally, you will receive an overview of how Judeo-Christian principles help to shape the government we have today. You will be taught by professors who are grounded in their Christian faith and ready to share their experience and knowledge of the major schools of political science and the various processes related to how government functions. This field has a close relationship with history, economics, and various other disciplines that can be strengthened as you continue your studies.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights of Our Bachelor’s in Government Degree
Discover Internship Opportunities Near the Nation’s Capital
With Washington, D.C. just 4 hours from campus, you’ll find that internship opportunities are within easy reach. Liberty’s strong relationships with key organizations and agencies can help you connect your classroom experience to real-world government work.
Join a Nationally Recognized Honor Society
As a Liberty student, you can join Pi Sigma Alpha – the only honor society in the U.S. specifically for college and university government students. Becoming a member connects you with a national community committed to political scholarship and leadership excellence.
Explore the Center for American Statesmanship
You can deepen your understanding of American governance through Liberty’s Center for American Statesmanship. This unique resource offers education and training in constitutional rights, citizenship, worldview foundations, and effective political engagement.
Continue Your Education and Career in Public Service
Many students who graduate from Liberty’s government programs move on to careers in public service and further study. You can take the next step in your education through our Master of Arts in Public Policy, available both online and on campus.
Career Potential
Potential Career Opportunities for Bachelor’s in Government Graduates
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Government or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Government can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Chamber of commerce manager
- City manager
- Community organizer
- Emergency manager
- Homeland security analyst
- Intelligence analyst
- Legislative analyst
- Military officer
- National security analyst
- National security consultant
- Political consultant
- Political scientist
- Politician
- Public administrator

Courses
What Will You Study in Our Bachelor’s in Government Degree?
In our degrees in government, you can develop a strong foundation in political theory, public policy, law, and leadership. Whether you pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, your studies can include topics such as constitutional principles, political ideologies, and the workings of domestic and international institutions. Both tracks offer the chance to explore American politics, diplomacy, and national security from a values-driven perspective, while also allowing you to tailor your degree to your academic and professional interests.
Bachelor of Arts in Government
If you’re looking for a degree that combines political studies with a broader liberal arts foundation, the BA in Government may be the right fit for you. This program typically includes a foreign language requirement, which can help you engage more effectively with international topics and expand your cultural awareness. Your coursework can explore key areas such as global relations, constitutional law, political philosophy, and American political development. With a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, historical analysis, and cross-cultural communication, the BA in Government may appeal to those considering graduate study or work in diplomacy, law, or international policy.
Bachelor of Science in Government
The BS in Government offers a more technical and career-focused approach to the study of politics and public service. This path often includes a wider range of elective options, allowing you to customize your degree around interests like national security, criminal justice, policy analysis, or intelligence studies. You can study how public institutions operate, how policy is developed and implemented, and how security threats are assessed in both domestic and international contexts. With fewer foreign language requirements, the BS in Government creates space for specialization, internships, and hands-on opportunities that align with your goals in public administration, law enforcement, or strategic intelligence.
Featured Government Courses
GOVT 200 – Constitutional Government and Free Enterprise
GOVT 220 – American Government
GOVT 230 – Public Policy Research and Writing
GOVT 490 – Political Theory
Degree Information
- Explore further with the Course Catalog.
- This program falls under our Helms School of Government.
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Bachelor’s Degree in Government?
Study in a Scenic and Supportive Environment
At Liberty’s campus in beautiful Lynchburg, Virginia, you’ll find more than just great facilities and exciting extracurriculars – you’ll discover a community centered on academic excellence.
The Helms School of Government is where your studies take shape, guided by professors who bring real-world experience from the White House, federal agencies, and congressional offices directly into the classroom.
Connect with Washington, D.C.
Liberty’s close ties to Washington, D.C. – both in location and professional relationships—create valuable opportunities for you as a student. You’ll be just a few hours away from the capital, where internships with government agencies and organizations can help launch your future in public service.
Spend a Semester in the Nation’s Capital
Through the Washington Fellowship and government internship program, you can spend a semester working with an approved organization in your field. If you’re a junior or senior majoring in government, this hands-on experience can complement your coursework and help prepare you for a career in the public sector.
Join a Prestigious Honor Society
As a government major, you’ll be eligible to join Pi Sigma Alpha –the only honor society in the U.S. exclusively for college and university students studying government. This national organization recognizes academic excellence and helps connect you with a broader network of peers and professionals committed to public leadership.
Tuition & Aid
How Much Does it Cost to Attend Liberty On Campus?
Knowing up-front what you’re paying for and why can go a long way toward making you feel comfortable about your investment. This overview of major college costs can give you an idea of what’s coming so you can create an accurate budget from the start.
All Tuition & Aid
Part-time (<12 Credits) | $845 |

#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Specializations
Government Bachelor’s Degree Specializations
Our government bachelor’s degrees offer a variety of specializations designed to match your personal interests and career aspirations. Whether you’re drawn to national security, politics and policy, or another area of public service, each specialization allows you to focus your studies while building a strong foundation in government theory, leadership, and civic engagement.
Specializations
National Security and Intelligence (BA)
National Security Studies (BS)
Politics and Policy (BA)
Politics and Policy (BA) and Politics and Policy: Think Tank and Policy Research (MA) Dual Degree
Politics and Policy (BS)
Politics and Policy (BS) and Politics and Policy: Think Tank and Policy Research (MA) Dual Degree
Admissions
How Do You Become a Bachelor’s in Government Student?
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.

Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.