Political science is about resources, relationships, and struggles for power in a fallen world.
Majors > Political Science
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Program Description
4-Year Plan
Learn more about the political science major.
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.
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.
“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.
“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 currently a law student at University of St. Thomas School of Law.
“I credit my law school success to my JBU experience. The political science classes, specifically Constitutional Law, mirrored my future law school classes. This gave me a competitive advantage when I began law school. And although I graduated several years ago, my professors continue to be easily accessible and serve as invaluable mentors. They continue to offer career advice, assist me with applications, and offer their prayers and encouragement. This kind of long-term community is unique to JBU and a key reason that our graduates have been so successful.” Krista is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School.
"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.
They enjoy wrestling with big questions and approaching problems in creative ways.
They are excited to be pursuing God’s call in their lives, they take their studies seriously, and are active in their communities.
They consider new perspectives and are willing to be challenged intellectually; after all, all truth is God’s truth.
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.
Because of the broad training political science majors receive, you can find them in virtually any profession, including (but certainly not limited to):
Specifically, our graduates have gone on to hold positions in a variety of organizations, including:
Some of our graduates choose to acquire further education. Here is a sample of some of the programs our graduates have attended or been admitted to:
Associate Professor of Political ScienceAssistant Director of Center for Faith and Flourishing
Dr. Daniel Bennett is an expert on the intersection of law, politics, and religion in the United States. He is the author of Defending Faith: The Politics of the Christian Conservative Legal Movement, and has written academic articles and book chapters on political behavior, legal advocacy, and the federal courts. He has been interviewed about his research in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and Associated Press, among others.
In addition to his academic writing, Dr. Bennett has also written for The Gospel Coalition, Religion and Politics, The Monkey Cage, and Front Porch Republic. He is a founding contributor to the academic blog Religion in Public, and is serving a two-year term as president of Christians in Political Science.
Dr. Bennett teaches many classes in the political science curriculum at JBU. He especially enjoys American Government and Politics, Religion and Politics, Research Methods and Design, and Constitutional Law. He also teaches courses for JBU's Honors Scholars Program, oversees student research, acts as the university's pre-law adviser, and supervises the university's Model United Nations team.
Dr. Bennett and his wife, Caitlyn, have three children: Henry, Margaret, and James. They live just north of campus on two acres, where they are raising several chickens. They are members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Siloam Springs.
Daniel Bennett CV
Adjunct Instructor, Political Science
Professor Rivera is a practicing attorney with almost thirty-years’ experience in the practice of law in both government and private practice. Prof. Rivera served for two years as a Deputy Attorney General in the State of Indiana where he specialized in litigation and 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.
Following a period in private practice, Governor Mitch Daniels, Jr., appointed Prof. Rivera 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, work place 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 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.
Prof. Rivera’s interest and areas of teaching include American government and politics, the presidency, constitutional law, criminal procedure, and criminal justice issues. He has published and spoken broadly in areas of concern to the legal profession and on the subject of diversity in the bar. He continues to practice law and teach, and with his wife, Barbara, and their loving pets, lives in Siloam Springs. Both Prof. Rivera and Barbara are active members of First Presbyterian Church in Siloam Springs.
Questions? Contact Dr. Daniel Bennett at dbennett@jbu.edu.
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