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