Major in Political Science
Become a political scientist • Complete your own research • Make an impact
Political Science is a challenging and sometimes hostile field. JBU prepares you to take next steps.
In the political science major, you will learn the workings of political systems and
become familiar with patterns of political behavior. At JBU you will integrate faith with
political science and participate in thoughtful and challenging discussions in your classes.
Learn more about the political science major.
What is Political Science?
Let’s get something out of the way – majoring in political science doesn’t mean you’re going to run for office. Or work on a political campaign. Or serve in government in any capacity. Sure, you can do these things with a degree in political science from JBU. But majoring in political science is about so much more than preparing for work in politics and government. It’s about acquiring a deeper understanding of important questions, like how we should govern ourselves. It’s about learning to identify creative solutions to complex problems. At its root, it’s about relationships and struggles for power in a fallen world.
Students majoring in political science learn to think critically, write effectively, and see the big picture. They come to identify why they believe what they believe. They are prepared for a diverse range of careers in both the public and private sectors, as well as for advanced study elsewhere. They learn how to ask and analyze big questions and concepts. But most importantly, they are taking the call to be “in the world, but not of the world” seriously. In the political science major at JBU, we are doing all we can to equip them for what comes next.
Why Study Political Science at JBU?
Here at JBU, we have organized the political science major to get the most from our students. Classes are small and promote thoughtful discussion. Assignments give students creativity to explore problems and issues important to them. The major equips students to make sense of the complex world around them, all for the purpose of advancing the kingdom. We’d love to have you join us.
Utilizing Your Degree
It’s desirable. From autonomous cars to artificial intelligence, it’s hard to imagine what the world will look like in 5, 10, and 50 years from now. And while we can’t predict the future, we do know that employers will always be looking for people who can think through problems, communicate clearly, and adapt to changing circumstances. A degree in political science at JBU will give you the skills essential for competing in an evolving economy, regardless of your chosen profession.
It’s relevant. Politics and government is in a constant state of upheaval, here in the U.S. and around the world. Majoring in political science will help you make sense of the reasons behind these changes. You will connect big ideas and theories to current debates and controversies, becoming equipped to put what you study into action and apply your reading to the real world. If you’re looking for a major that will help you make sense of the now by paying attention to the past and looking to the future, political science may be for you.
It’s customizable. Political science is a broad field. Here at JBU, you will take courses in political institutions, behavior, and philosophy, comparative politics, law, the intersection of politics and religion, and research methods, among others. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their major, exploring topics of interest to them within and across courses and—with guidance and support from hands-on faculty—become experts on these topics, both substantively and methodologically. In short, while political science is a diverse major, you will find it easy to personalize and shape to your interests and calling.
Because of the broad training political science majors receive, you can find them in virtually any profession, including (but certainly not limited to):
- Federal, state, and local government
- International nongovernmental organizations
- Law and the legal profession
- Lobbying and policymaking
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public and private sector research
Specifically, our graduates have gone on to hold positions in a variety of organizations, including:
- Pacific Legal Foundation
- Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
- City of Charleston, South Carolina
- First Liberty Institute
- Oklahoma Democratic Party
- American Airlines
- Dayspring Cards
- Field Agent
- Silver Dollar City Foundation
It is not unusual for our graduates to pursue an advanced degree. They have been admitted to a variety of programs, including:
- Georgetown University Law Center
- University of Texas School of Law
- Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
- Emory University School of Law
- University of Iowa School of Law
- William and Mary Law School
- Baylor Law School
- University of Missouri School of Law
- Brooklyn Law School
- University of Arkansas School of Law
- University of St. Thomas School of Law
- Seton Hall University School of Diplomacy and International Relations
- University of Illinois-Chicago Department of Political Science
Students are encouraged to develop their course papers into projects for presentation at national and regional conferences. To date, student research has been accepted for presentation at the annual meetings of the Midwest Political Science Association, Western Political Science Association, and Arkansas Political Science Association.
Political science majors tend to be:
1
Curious
2
Passionate
3
Open-Minded
Alumni Profiles
Jared Besse ‘19
“I had been interested in politics since high school and since I didn’t know what I wanted my career to be in, I chose Political Science. Soon my eyes were opened to a whole field of study where we move past the day-to-day partisan issues and dive deep into what makes America run. Politics affects everything, including business, race, economics, psychology and much more. The faculty was amazing and let me research and learn about topics that were of interest to me – they also helped me land an internship that led to my current job.” Jared Besse is Digital Marketing Coordinator for First Liberty Institute.
Allan Aguilar ‘17
“I had an interest in becoming a politician early on and thought that political science would help move closer to that goal. But political science turned out to be very different than what I had expected, in an amazing way. The classes dove past the policymaking and beyond the parties, and looked at the motivations and relationships that spurred the creation of those policies. Political science is for those who want to go behind the scenes of the political world.” Allan is a law clerk at the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Moriah Lawrence '20
"The political science major at JBU challenged me to explore the relationship between politics and my faith in a deeper way. In the classroom, we had meaningful conversations, read books that presented data surrounding important topics in society today, and wrote papers that gave us the opportunity to explore topics and research that was of interest to us. Beyond the incredible classroom experience, I was also able to participate in conferences, internships, and Model UN. The support of the faculty has helped me with networking and the small class sizes led to impactful friendships. My time in the political science department has prepared me to enter the realm of politics with a confidence that I would not otherwise have." Moriah works with the Young Leaders Program at the Heritage Foundation. Moriah is a Research Assistant with the Pacific Legal Foundation.
Brooke Kramer '20
"The political science major at JBU opened more doors for me than anything else. Because of the faculty, classroom material, and experiential learning embedded in the major, I was able to get a job before graduation with an organization that aligns completely with my values and ambitions. The major allowed me to study abroad twice, graduate early, travel to conferences, win awards at competitions, and secure three amazing internships. The department has events on and off campus that have informed my professional, spiritual, and academic development. The faculty facilitate a community that challenges and encourages, while promoting an environment of diversity of thought. The major is not just for those wanting to work in professional politics, but in any number of future careers. The political science major has been immeasurably formative and impactful during my time at JBU.” Brooke is Team Coordinator at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.
Meet Our Political Science Professors
Questions? Contact Dr. Daniel Bennett at dbennett@jbu.edu.
