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
SPECIALIZATIONS AND REQUIRED COURSES
The Political Science major consists of two specializations (General, Criminal Justice) that share common requirements outlined below. 13 total courses are required.
Common Requirements (10 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
General Track specialization (3 courses)
Choose three of the following:
- Business Law
- International Political Economy
- Additional upper-division U.S. History elective
- Political Ethics
- U.S. Constitutional Law
- Internship
Criminal Justice Track specialization (3 courses)
Choose three of the following:
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- U.S. Constitutional Law
- Internship
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
- PLO1: 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.
- PLO2: Students should be able to construct and evaluate analytical arguments and write clear logical prose.
- PLO3: 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.
- PLO4: Students will have the ability to effectively employ oral and written communication skills within a variety of academic and professional contexts.
- PLO5: 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 AND 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
POLITICAL SCIENCE MINOR
MINOR
Required Courses:
- Introduction to Political Science
- American Government
Electives
- Take 15 credits from any Political Science courses. Please note that 12 of the total 15 credits must be upper-division courses.
See what our students are saying.
Our happy students have a lot to say about our Political Science program!
My time at Simpson University in the political science program served as an invaluable experience that has prepared me for my future in teaching. The top-tier professors, supportive staff, and the caring community made my experience at Simpson University very treasured. The political science courses helped me discover my passion for the subject, and I plan to utilize that knowledge to help teach others.
Hope Dodgen
B.A. 2022I completed my internship in Los Angeles in the Summer of 2023, working for two organizations: I spent 5 weeks there. I interned for two organizations, https://www.iilosangeles.org and Ekballo. With IILA I was able to assist Afghan refugees who were applying for their refugee visa. We would go to the office, and organize all the paperwork to submit to the U.S. government. And two of the workers were Afghan themselves, so it was very interesting to learn from them.And with Ekballo we were working with a couple of refugee families, where we helped two kids get enrolled in their schools. We took the families to Malibu beach and taught them how to surf. We also did an art camp with them. To me it was amazing and very rewarding to help refugees get situated in the United States. Even though they missed their country, to help them in the process of settling in this different culture was a privilege and an honor.
Victor Brito
B.A. 2023My internship at the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office proved to be an exceptional opportunity that greatly enriched my educational journey. I assumed a variety of responsibilities, including inputting case schedules and attorney assignments into the court calendar, collecting, filing, pulling, and binning files as needed, and had the opportunity to attend closing arguments and cross examinations by deputy district attorneys. During this time, I was also able to form meaningful professional relationships and confirm that a career as an attorney is the right path for me.
Cailey Rizzardo
B.A. 2024Meet our amazing faculty.
Dr. Timothy Orr
Assistant Professor of History
Department Chair of the History and Political Science Department
