Political Science
Program Overview
Our Political Science program prepares students through rigorous educational experiences to master the knowledge, values and skills of the discipline of political science, to apply these skills successfully in a variety of professional or graduate level settings and to engage faithfully and effectively as a Christian in the contemporary political world.
Courses include foundational studies in political thought, American government, comparative politics, law and policy, international relations, social and criminal justice and more. The standard track prepares students in American Government, Law and Policy, ideal for the Pre-Law candidate. Students have the additional option of pursuing emphasis in criminal justice.
“A POLITICAL SCIENCE WHICH IS FAITHFUL TO ITS MORAL COMMITMENT OF TELLING THE TRUTH ABOUT THE POLITICAL WORLD CANNOT HELP TELLING SOCIETY THINGS IT DOES NOT WANT TO HEAR.” – HANS MORGENTHAU
Required Courses
- One upper-division U.S. History elective
- Administration of Justice
- American Government
- Selected Topics in Political Science
- Political Thought
- Research Methodology
- Senior Seminar
Choose two of the following:
- Politics & Culture of the Developing World
- International Relations
- Comparative Politics
Choose one of the following:
- Argumentation and Debate
- Communication Ethics
- Advanced Public Communication
- Grammar and Editing
- Technical Writing
Specializations
General Track
The Generalist track in Political Science at Simpson University provides a broad and comprehensive education in political science. Students in this track take a variety of courses covering different aspects of political science, such as American Government, Political Thought, International Relations, and Comparative Politics. This track is designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of political systems, political behavior, and the theoretical foundations of politics. It allows for flexibility in course selection, enabling students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice track focuses specifically on the criminal justice system and its components. Students have the opportunity to take specialized courses such as Administration of Justice, Criminal Law, Issues in Criminology, and Selected Topics in Criminal Justice. This track is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement, corrections, or other areas within the criminal justice system. It provides a more focused education on the legal and procedural aspects of criminal justice, preparing students for specific roles within this field.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students should be able to distinguish among the diversity of traditions in the field and successfully identify the structure and operation of the U.S. and other political systems.
- Students should be able to construct and evaluate analytical arguments and write clear logical prose.
- Students should be able to identify and gather information from credible primary and secondary sources, recognize assumptions and to devise basic research designs, test questions, arguments, and hypotheses with qualitative and/or quantitative methods.
- Students will have the ability to effectively employ oral and written communication skills within a variety of academic and professional contexts.
- Students should be able to appreciate and understand both theoretically and practically the values of citizenship and its beneficial consequences as an engaged Christian.
Internship & Career Opportunities
- Public Service
- Law and Law Enforcement
- Private or Public Advocacy/Lobbying Organizations
- Community Relations Director
- Congressional Office Staff Member
- Teacher / Educator
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- FBI Agent
- Foreign Service Officer or U.N. Diplomat
- Government Relations Manager
- International Business Analyst
- Legislative Director / Analyst
- Media Specialist
- Parole/Probation Officer
- Politician
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Urban Policy Planner
- White House Advisor
- City Planner / Manager


“A lot of our world in the political realm can get connected to biblical theories and I think that a lot of our professors tried that when it was applicable…I think you really learned a perspective from the Christian mindset and others outside in the modern world.”

Marissa Ramirez
Political Science – Class of 2024
Political Science Minor
Required Courses
- Introduction to Political Science
- American Government
ELECTIVE CREDITS (15)
MEET THE FACULTY

Dr. Timothy Orr
Associate Professor of History
Director of Simpson Scholars
Department Chair of the History and Political Science Department

Dr. Ryan Brasher
Associate Professor of Political Science
Disciplinary Lead for Criminal Justice