Major in Political Science
Become a leader • Complete your own research • Make an impact
John Brown University
2000 W. University St.,
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
What are you looking for?
Become a leader • Complete your own research • Make an impact
In the political science major, you'll 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.
Start your applicationStudents 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.
The political science major isn't just about preparing to work in politics and government. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of complex and important questions like how we should govern ourselves.
Students have gone on to hold positions in organizations like the American Enterprise Institute, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and the United States Senate, and have studied at graduate schools like Harvard Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, and the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Political science majors not only explore complicated issues about how people ought to govern themselves, but they also seek to understand how Christians can better engage in political discourse and sectors.
JBU’s political science program has helped me figure out what my calling is. With Dr. Bennett's help, classes and research, I've learned a lot about who we're called to be as Christians and who we are to be citizens. I've learned that I absolutely love social policy and care deeply about advocacy work. Not only do I understand how policy works, but I’ve also learned how to interact with people amid policy changes. I think everyone should spend time in this department!
Emma Beagle, ’24
Political Science
The political science department goes above and beyond at launching students into the careers they want to land and provides students with the necessary opportunities and resources to leave JBU feeling empowered.
While the political science major doesn't require an internship, it is strongly encouraged. JBU faculty help students secure the internships they want, knowing many internships later turn into post-graduation jobs.
Due to the nature of the work and time students commit to the political science major, there is plenty of space for students to double-major to add a degree of specialization to their education. For example, previous students have found adding psychology, economics or intercultural studies majors to their coursework to be beneficial.
JBU understands that many political science students want to get into law school. The pre-law minor not only provides students with the necessary skills for performing well on the LSAT, but also supports students so they feel competent and equipped when they get to law school.
JBU has organized the political science major to get the most from our students. Classes are small and promote thoughtful discussion. Assignments give students the creativity to explore problems and issues important to them.
Each February, JBU sends student delegates to the Midwest Model United Nations (MMUN) meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. These students represent their assigned nation amidst hundreds of other student delegates from dozens of regional colleges and universities.
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, lobbying, policymaking and many more.
My political science degree quickly opened numerous doors for me after graduation, but the additional opportunities extended to me while still in college invigorated and inspired me to succeed. I would highly recommend the JBU political science track to any student curious about our world, state, and neighbors.
Seth Billingsley '21
JD candidate at Harvard Law School
Professor Rivera came to JBU after a successful career as a practicing attorney; and has over thirty-years experience in the practice of law in both government and the private sector. After several years spent in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana, Prof. Rivera entered public service for two years as a Deputy Attorney General in the State of Indiana where he specialized in litigation, constitutional, and injunctive law and was a member of the Attorney General’s death penalty team. Prof. Rivera was appointed by Governor Evan Bayh to the Indiana Parole Board where he served for two years in a quasi-judicial capacity as Vice Chairman of the Parole Board and advised two governors on death penalty and criminal justice issues – writing then Governor Frank O’Bannon’s state criminal justice policy.
Following a period as the in-house litigator for a Fortune 500 engine manufacturing company, Prof. Rivera was appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels, Jr., as Commissioner of Labor for the State of Indiana, a cabinet level position. As Commissioner of Labor, Prof Rivera led a state-wide regulatory agency responsible for enforcing labor laws, child labor laws, the common wage, workplace safety, OSHA, and underground coal mine safety. In addition to advising the governor, he worked closely with the state legislature and the public/private sectors on issues effecting labor policy and underground coal mine safety in Indiana. Prof. Rivera is the recipient of a Sagamore of the Wabash, the State of Indiana’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his service to the people of Indiana and to public safety.
After this period of public service, Prof. Rivera practiced law as in-house counsel for one of the world’s largest retailers and as general counsel for an international shoe retailer. While practicing law, Prof. Rivera wrote extensively regarding diversity/inclusion and issues of interest to the American bar. He was a regular speaker at diversity/inclusion and bar association events around the country. He continues to support diversity/inclusion both at JBU and in the Siloam Springs community through ecumenical efforts to bring together the majority and minority communities in activities such as 2022’s Siloam Spring’s Hispanic Heritage Festival.
Prof. Rivera is author of a Sherlock Holmes novel entitled, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Green Dragon,” published by MX Publishing in London, England in February 2023. Prof. Rivera is a lifelong Sherlock Holmes enthusiast and is currently working on several Sherlock Holmes related projects he hopes to get published soon.
Prof. Rivera’s interest and areas of teaching include Criminal Justice, Criminal Procedure, Criminology, Constitutional Law, Business Law & Ethics, American government and politics, Gateway classes, and Congress and the presidency. Prof. Rivera is one of the founding members and Board President of Friends of Proclamation Institute Zambia (PIZ), a non-profit corporation that fund raises and supports the mission efforts of PIZ, a Christian preaching school in Zambia, Africa. He is a proud father of four children and with his wife, Barbara, and their loving pets, lives in Siloam Springs. Prof. Rivera and his wife are active members of Grace Episcopal Church in Siloam Springs.
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Dr. Daniel Bennett is an associate professor of political science at John Brown University, where he has taught since 2016. He is the author of Uneasy Citizenship: Embracing the Tension in Faith and Politics, and Defending Faith: The Politics of the Christian Conservative Legal Movement. His research focuses on the politicization of religious freedom, group attitudes and constitutional rights, legal advocacy in the United States, federal judicial selection, and more.
Dr. Bennett has written popular articles for Christianity Today, Religion and Politics, and The Dispatch, among others. He has appeared in national and local media, including the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New Yorker, National Public Radio, and KNWA. He is the director for the Center for Faith and Flourishing, and has served in advisory roles with the American Values Coalition and Neighborly Faith. In 2023 he was named as a Public Life Fellow with the Center for Christianity and Public Life.
Dr. Bennett's teaching interests include religion and politics, American government and politics, and social science research. He regularly advises student research projects, several of which have been presented at national conferences. He advises JBU's Model United Nations program, and has served in various administrative service roles at the university. In 2024 he was the recipient of JBU's Faculty Excellence Award.
Dr. Bennett and his wife, Caitlyn, have three children. Their family lives about a mile north of campus on two acres, where they have several chickens. They are members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Siloam Springs.
Department Chair, Associate Professor of Political Science; Assistant Director, Center for Faith and Flourishing
The political science major at JBU opened more doors for me than anything else... 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.
Brooke Kramer '20
Legislative Correspondent for Sen. James Lankford (R-OK)
Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.