The Political Science major equips you to become a leader and citizen who can influence politics and public policy informed by Christian faith and tradition. As a Political Science major at SPU, you will wrestle with some of the most fundamental questions underlying faith and the political order.
- What is the relationship between Christian principles and public policy?
- How can Christians model both the character and truth of Jesus Christ in the public square?
- How should we all live in local, national, and global community?
To assist in the exploration of these questions, you will receive broad training in political philosophy, government, law, public policy, international relations, and the political behavior of individuals, groups, and global actors. You are also provided with peer support and co-curricular activities through the SPU Political Union, a nonpartisan student group.
Find out more about this program’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
- A minimum 69 credits are required for this major, including 30 Upper Division credits.
- You will choose between three tracks: General; Public Policy and Law; or International Affairs.
- You are strongly encouraged to take POL 4940 Political Internships, and department faculty will work with you to arrange an internship appropriate to your career interests.
- No more than a total of 10 hours of internship or independent study can be applied to meet your requirement, but you may add additional credits above the required hours, if you’d like.
- You are encouraged to fulfill your Exploratory Curriculum mathematics requirement prior to the spring of your senior year by taking a statistics course such as SOC 2360 Introduction to Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences or MAT 1300 Introduction to Statistical Reasoning.
Additional specialization
If you wish to enhance your degree with additional specialization, applied coursework beyond the required credits and in associated majors or minors can be arranged in consultation with the political science advisor.
- POL 4940 Political Internships is strongly suggested as an elective in the Political Science: Public Policy and Law Track.
- At least one year of a foreign language or equivalent is recommended, and more than this is strongly encouraged in the Political Science-International Affairs Track.
Apply to the major
The Political Science major has rolling admission. The School of Business, Government, and Economics accepts online applications to the Political Science major year-round. You must complete the major requirements in effect at the time you are admitted to the major.
To qualify for admission to the major, you must:
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Complete at least 5 credits in Political Science coursework at SPU.
- Have a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA.
- Have a minimum 2.50 major GPA in all political science courses taken at SPU.
- You are required to make a formal application to this major, which you may do at any time during the year.
The Political Science major allows you to complement your chosen major with some general political science coursework.
- A minimum 30 credits are required, including 15 upper-division credits.
- Acceptance is based upon a minimum 2.50 major GPA at SPU, and formal admittance to your primary major.
- SPU requires you to earn at least 15 credits of this minor at SPU, 10 of which must be upper-division credits.
- You are required to make a formal application to this minor, which you may do at any time during the year.
- You must complete the minor requirements in effect at the time you are admitted to the minor.
- For questions regarding SBGE minors, contact Dr. Richard Sleight (sl8@ngskmc-eis.net).
Certification With Elementary Education Endorsement
If you plan to teach in an elementary school and are interested in teaching Political Science or Geography, you must major in the Integrated Studies major with a concentration in social sciences. Further information can be found on the School of Education website.
Certification With Secondary Education Endorsement
If you plan to obtain secondary Residency Teacher Certification with an endorsement in Political Science, you should pursue a BA in Political Science, and you must also complete requirements for a Secondary Education Endorsement through the School of Education.