Academics

Political Science, B.A.

As a political science major, you will study American politics, law, comparative politics, international relations and methods. You will analyze how power is exercised at the local, state, national and international levels and how these processes impact individual lives.

The major is informed by commitments to justice and reconciliation, as reflected by our department motto, "Do Justice; Love Mercy," based on the Bible verse Micah 6:8. Through classroom study, internships, off-campus opportunities and research projects, you will be challenged to develop both the tools and the vision for understanding, nurturing and transforming society.

Why major in political science at Whitworth?

Get to know your professors inside and outside of the classroom. You can conduct research with faculty or apply to work as a teaching assistant. You'll also be invited to interact with faculty informally over coffee or meals, and at gatherings in their homes.
Gain real-world experience through a required internship and several study-abroad options.
Connect your faith or worldview to your learning, and consider how it will affect your vocation. You will be encouraged to think about the link between faith and public life in every course. And you will go in depth in courses such as Faith & Politics and Vocations in Political Science.
Develop the skills needed to engage in public life, such as writing and speaking in ways that invite robust and civil dialogue.
Build transferable skills that are valuable in many career fields. Learn to think critically, conduct rigorous research, communicate clearly and listen well.
Take a variety of courses, from Modern Congress and African Politics to the Politics of Inequality and Human Rights. You will delve deeper into topics that interest you. The bulk of required credits will be courses of your choice.
Build community within the department through special events like an annual pizza gathering, film viewings and policy discussions on current issues.
Become who you're meant to be.

Ask our faculty

Ask Professor Stronks

jstronks@whitworth.edu

Professor of Political Science Julia Stronks specializes in international law.

Ask Professor Hershey

mhershey@whitworth.edu

Professor of Political Science Megan Hershey's areas of expertise include African politics, comparative politics and international development.

Ask Assistant Professor Hitefield

ahitefield@whitworth.edu

Assistant Professor of Political Science Aaron Hitefield's areas of expertise include American political institutions such as congress and the presidency, parties and elections and political behavior.

Our political science grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Our graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers and graduate school programs. Many political science graduates have chosen careers in government and politics, law, and nonprofit organizations. Others have built careers in business, the military, journalism, ministry or missions, and education. Several have gone into higher education in particular, both as administrators and as faculty members.

Recent job placements include:

Jillian Hines, security administrator, United States Senate, Washington, D.C.
Coleen Hogan, program manager, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Washington, D.C.
Chloe Becker, manager for state legislative affairs, Portland General Electric, Portland, Ore.
Jeff Debray, legislative affairs, ACLU of Washington State
Caleb Crary, ELA teacher, Teach for America Corp member, Brainerd High School, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Annika Davis, IT project manager, Intact Technology, Reston, Va.
Corey Newman, captain, Spokane Fire Department, Spokane
Josh Seiersen, director of tenant services, A Tiny Home for Good, Syracuse, N.Y.

Our recent political science grads further their studies in top graduate programs at institutions including:

Harvard Law School
Yale Law School
University of Washington
Princeton Theological Seminary
UCLA School of Law
University of San Diego
American University
Georgetown University School of Law
American University School of Law
Pepperdine School of Law

Opportunities outside the classroom

Gain hands-on experience through an internship. One is required, but many students choose to do more. Options available through the department include a semester-long internship in Washington, D.C., or an internship in Olympia with the Washington State Legislature.
Perform research under a professor’s supervision and present it at the Spokane Intercollegiate Research Conference.
Join the award-winning forensics or Ethics Bowl teams, open to all majors. These speech and debate programs promote the exchange of ideas and the development of public-speaking skills.
Analyze what you’re learning and write and publish an opinion piece. Students have published pieces on faith and politics, as well as on other policy areas.
Apply for a competitive award to study abroad. Our students have been awarded Fulbright English Teaching Awards, Boren Scholarships and Critical Language Scholarships.

Pack your bags!

Whitworth professors lead a variety of off-campus programs that include the study of politics. Recent destinations have included South Africa, Tanzania, Central America and Ireland. Political science students are also encouraged to study independently as international exchange students. Our students have recently studied in Brussels, Cuba, New Zealand, Spain and Malta.

What related majors can I explore?

Next steps

Academic Information

What Is It Like?

"I have experienced a plethora of opportunities through the political science department. One experience I am grateful for is my job as a research assistant for the department. In my work, I create abstracts for articles about faithful lawyering. This opportunity has allowed me to ponder my future career in law, as a person of faith. The research delves into the unique experiences of lawyers of faith, and the benefits faith can have in legal work."
Courtney Iseman '23

Explore what it's like to major in the areas that interest you through the experiences of Whitworth students.