Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science
Study what you love. Grow into the person you want to be.
In Bethel’s Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science, you can follow your passions and cultivate skills that span our disciplines, including research, critical thinking, and writing. In each class, you’ll integrate your Christian faith into your coursework as you learn to better empathize with others and explore multiple perspectives and cultures. Our graduates have careers in a variety of sectors, including business, law, healthcare, nonprofits, government, and education.
Majors, Minors, and Programs
Recent News
The Story of Quadruple—maybe Quintuple—Major Michael Opheim ’24
June 01, 2023 | 12:45 p.m.
New Partnership Gives Students Hands-On History Experience
April 28, 2023 | 9 a.m.
New Minors and Endorsements for the College of Arts & Sciences
March 16, 2023 | 2 p.m.
Announcing the Death of Stan Anderson, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus
January 24, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.
Upcoming Events
See yourself at Bethel—join us for one of our in-person or virtual events!
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Pursue your passions.
150+
students in the department
60%
of students add a second major
Program Highlights
Student employment
Many of our students work as teaching assistants who work closely with faculty and gain valuable experience in teaching, research, or administration. There are also many internships with local organizations like the Minnesota Legislature and Minnesota Historical Society, and our Digital Humanities majors obtain work experience in a variety of settings.Career and grad school preparation
Many college graduates pursue a few different jobs before settling on a long-term career. We train you to think critically and creatively, analyze carefully, and write clearly—skills that transfer to any career. Our graduates have gone on to success in law, business, education, nonprofit work, and graduate school.Faith integration
We study the core questions of history, philosophy, and political science from systematic Christian perspectives of various traditions. Our courses integrate faith, ethics, and commitments to justice into the course material, all with the goal of helping you formulate your unique voice in your faith journey.Flexibility
Our majors are designed to make it easy for you to double major, study abroad, finish in three years, or add minors to broaden your career options.I think the most distinctive strength of this department was its commitment to teaching all sides of the story. Learning about Political Science from different perspectives and about different perspectives was crucial to my growing worldview at the time.
Marisa Tillman ’16I can honestly say that, as a student, I didn't know my professors' political preferences. Getting such a balanced education from a variety of resources has made me a better consumer of information. From the news I read, the podcasts I listen to, and the conversations I have with others—I am constantly consuming from different/varied credible sources in order to get a well-rounded perspective. This information helps me process and create my own, well-informed opinion.
Dawna Diamon ’09By studying Western ideas and the role Christianity has played in society, I believe I had a greater depth of understanding than students who studied American politics in a more narrow sense. In the process, I also improved my reasoning and critical thinking skills: the number one thing employers are looking for in an ever-changing labor market.
Ben Olson ’07The professors supported my personal development, academic interests, and writing skills. Also, their class content was extremely relevant to the formation of my identity, values, and thinking.
Jordan Nelson ’13The professors are fantastic. They do a great job delivering interesting and relevant material, providing feedback that fosters growth in academic skill, and building relationships with students. I felt cared about and challenged as I developed as a student, and I felt prepared to go out into the real world.
Kyle Kilgore ’20The faculty’s ability to disciple me in how to think analytically, empathetically, and creatively has proven to be immensely helpful since my graduation. I am so grateful for the personal attention and challenges I received from my professors as I wrestled with hard questions and reshaped how I applied my faith to the world.
Cody Bishop ’15What can I do with a degree from this department?
Studying history, philosophy, or political science is excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers—and for further education. According to a 2021 survey, almost all of our recent graduates said that their studies had improved their writing (99%), critical thinking (96%), and research (93%)—three of the abilities most prized by employers of all types, and crucial to later success in graduate and professional schools.
Careers
Our graduates go on to work in:
- Business (30%)
- Education (25%)
- Politics, government, and law (20%)
- Health care and ministry (10%)
- Nonprofits (10%)
Graduate Schools
Our alumni go on to study at:
- Big Ten universities (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana)
- Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Penn)
- Leading seminaries and law schools.
Almost 60% of our alumni have completed or are completing a graduate degree.
While some alumni continue their studies in their undergraduate disciplines, others use grad school to enter fields as diverse as business management, educational administration, law, library science, medicine and dentistry, ministry and theology, public administration and public policy, and social work.
