Understanding Power, Policy, and People.

Political Science, Philosophy, & Economics Major

The political science, philosophy, and economics major aims to equip students passionate about politics with the skills to understand, evaluate, manage, and influence political events and government actions, all guided by a Christian faith perspective.

The political science program involves the systematic study of how political institutions influence the behavior of citizens, leaders, and international actors to achieve public policies that promote justice both nationally and globally.

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Tomorrow's social theorists are starting right here.

Develop a comprehensive knowledge of societal systems by examining the philosophical principles, economic frameworks, and political approaches that influence decision-making and foster impactful change in today’s society.

Political science, philosophy, and economics is an interdisciplinary field that examines the intricate relationships between governance, ethical frameworks, and economic systems. Specifically, this major encompasses diverse areas such as political theory, moral philosophy, and market dynamics, providing a comprehensive understanding of how societies function. As a result, by the time you graduate, you will be well-prepared for graduate studies in law, public policy, or international relations, as well as careers in government, non-profit organizations, corporate strategy, and education. Ultimately, this program equips you with the critical skills needed to engage thoughtfully with complex issues and drive positive change in our communities and beyond.

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EXPLORE THE POLITICAL SCIENCE, PHILOSOPHY, & ECONOMICS PROGRAM

The political science, philosophy, and economics major is crafted to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of societal structures. Through engaging coursework, faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and practical experiences, this program encourages you to explore the complexities of governance, ethical reasoning, and economic theory. It aims to empower you to articulate your values, identify your strengths, and discover how you can contribute meaningfully to society and make an impact in our world and the Kingdom of God.

Classes

What courses will I take?

American National Government
Political Science Research Methods
Political Behavior
American Foreign Policy

View the four-year curriculum plan for the political science, philosophy, and economics major.

Careers

What kind of jobs can I anticipate after graduation?

Our program will help you prepare for successful careers in the following areas and more:

Government
Politics
Law
Non-Profits
Teaching
Journalism
Business

Program Options

Majors

The political science, philosophy, and economics major integrates an economics curriculum with traditional political science courses and offers concentrations in international political economy and domestic policy and economic problems.

Minor

The political science minor is an excellent complement to a variety of majors, including business, Christian ministries, communications, global studies, history, the sciences, and social work.
The legal studies minor is excellent preparation for law school, combining courses from a variety of disciplines to create a pre-law curriculum.

Practical Experience

Our curriculum is designed to help you develop a number of skills that are important to employers. The best way to develop your proficiency with a skill is to use it repeatedly. That’s why you’ll have opportunities to apply these skills in all your political science courses rather than encountering them only once.

We believe you should complete at least one internship before you graduate. Internships are a great way both to explore career options and to develop your knowledge, skills, experience, network, and brand. They are a proving ground where you can put into practice the things you’ve done in the classroom.

Skills Development

The best way to develop your proficiency with a skill is to use it repeatedly. That’s why you’ll have opportunities to apply these skills in all your Political Science courses rather than encountering them only once.

Written communication: Our majors do more writing than any other program on campus, from research papers to policy memos, blog posts, and news analyses. Through internships, a policy practicum, and Senior Seminar, you’ll hone professional writing skills and create a portfolio to showcase your best work to employers.
Oral communication: Our majors regularly present oral briefings, honing their skills to present complex ideas clearly. Starting sophomore year, you’ll deliver multiple speeches and brief peers or external audiences 12-15 times per semester, becoming proficient at concise, effective communication.
Critical thinking: Political science is theory-driven, seeking general explanations like why nations go to war rather than specific events. You’ll develop abstract thinking, apply knowledge to new cases, evaluate political claims, and form well-supported positions on key policy issues.

Additional Skills

Social media: You’ll master professional use of social media like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+, building a personal brand to attract employers. Social media is integrated into every political science class—check out #AUPOSC for examples.
Analytical/Quantitative skills: Our program requires courses in both research methods and statistics. You’ll learn to present quantitative data, understand statistical work, and conduct your own research. These skills are essential in today’s data-driven world.
Critical thinking: Political science seeks general theories, like why nations go to war, rather than specific events. You’ll develop abstract thinking, apply knowledge to new cases, and evaluate political claims to form well-supported positions on key issues.
Research skills: We’ll help you develop information literacy, teaching you to efficiently find and evaluate quality data using technology. You’ll regularly use primary sources of economic, demographic, and political data for research and projects.
Teamwork: Employers value effective teamwork, and through our program, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop these skills. First, you’ll work in teams for in-class activities, briefings, projects, and exams. Additionally, you can further enhance your teamwork experience by participating in organizations like Model UN, College Republicans, College Democrats, and Pi Sigma Alpha.
Computer skills: By the end of your sophomore year, you’ll develop proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Google Docs, R, Zotero, and Hootsuite. You’ll also be encouraged to use a variety of productivity tools important to employers, including Google Calendar, Evernote, Dropbox, and task managers.

Meet our faculty during your campus visit.