Political Science Major
Political science is about resources, relationships, and struggles for power in a fallen world.
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.
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.
Alumni Profile
Margo Shipley '11
"I credit my rigorous education at JBU for giving me the tools I needed to succeed in law school and as an attorney. In particular, my courses in the Political Science department taught me to think critically and write concisely, skills that have been invaluable both in law school and in the practice of law." Commercial & Civil Litigation Attorney, Newton, O'Connor, Turner & Ketchum
Als 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.” Aguilar is currently a law student at University of St. Thomas School of Law.
Political science majors tend to be:
1
Curious
2
Passionate
3
Open-Minded
Opportunities
As a political science major at JBU, you will have the opportunity to partake in a variety of on- and off-campus opportunities. Majors meeting academic criteria are eligible to join Pi Sigma Alpha (the national political science honor society) through our official campus chapter. Additionally, our majors have participated in multiple off-campus study programs with the CCCU, including the American Studies Program and the Scholars’ Semester at Oxford. The political science major at JBU opens up many doors beyond the classroom.
Utilizing Your Degree
Because of the broad training political science majors receive, you can find them in virtually any profession, including (but certainly not limited to):
- Corporate communication and strategy
- Data analysis
- Federal, state, and local government
- Higher education
- International nongovernmental organizations
- Journalism
- Law and the legal profession
- Lobbying and policymaking
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public and private sector research
Some of our graduates choose to acquire further education. Here is a recent sample of some of the programs our graduates have attended or been admitted to:
- American University Washington College of Law
- Brooklyn Law School
- Georgetown University Law Center
- Northeastern University School of Law
- Regent University School of Law
- Syracuse University College of Law
- University of Arkansas Graduate School
- University of Arkansas School of Law
- University of Chicago Graduate School
- University of St. Thomas School of Law
Meet Our Political Science Professors
Questions? Contact Dr. Daniel Bennett at dbennett@jbu.edu.
