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Business and Political Science Major

Bachelor of Arts

With a business and political science major, you’ll explore the intersection of business and politics and prepare for a wide variety of career paths and opportunities.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Business and Political Science, you’ll gain skills to serve in unique roles that blend politics, policy, and business. You’ll be prepared to work for government agencies in administrative positions, or you can focus on the intersection of politics and economics and seek a career in economic policy or management. You’ll also be prepared to serve businesses that have extensive interaction with government agencies. No matter your path, you’ll gain key skills to reach your full potential and go into the world to serve.

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☰ In This Section

Why should I study business and political science at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science—often called the HiPPos—and the Department of Business. In all your classes, you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success.

Faith-fueled learning
As you study governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior, you’ll integrate your Christian faith and explore the intersection of faith and politics.

A community where you belong
You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in business and political science, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. And you’ll experience a variety of great courses where you’ll explore big questions and apply them to modern issues.

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A strong base in political science

Through the study of political science, students develop a set of analytical capabilities, administrative competence, and communication skills that are valued in many careers.

Core business knowledge

As you explore the interaction of business and politics, you’ll develop core skills in areas like accounting, marketing, management, law, finance, research, and policy analysis.

Transferable skills

As you read difficult material, discuss complex ideas, and complete writing assignments, you’ll gain skills that will set you apart.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop sharp critical thinking skills that set you apart in the private and public sectors, and these skills will also equip you to pursue graduate or professional education.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away. You won’t have to wait until you’re an upperclassman.

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Study abroad

Study around the world through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer, including trips to India or Europe with the Department of Business. You can spend a semester in Washington, D.C., with the American Studies Program, which gives you the chance to live eight blocks east of the U.S. Capitol and complete an internship while continuing your studies.

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Internships

You'll have the opportunity to intern with the Minnesota State Legislature, local governments, campaigns, nonprofits, and interest groups in the Twin Cities and beyond.

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Clubs and organizations

You can participate in Bethel’s Model United Nations program (BUMUN); Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary; and United Cultures of Bethel. You can also build valuable connections through business-related groups like BBEA and BethelBiz, a mentorship program that will connect with alums serving in a career that meets your goals.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with a business and political science degree?

As you study business and political science, you’ll become the person you’re meant to be and become equipped for a life of purpose in almost any field.

Politics and government

You’ll forge the skills to work in federal, state, and local politics. Or you can work in lobbying, campaign management, polling, and city management and administration.

Business

You’ll be able to use your skills in fields like marketing, recruiting, financial services, sales, and human resources.

Education

If you’re interested in teaching, you can pair your major with an education degree or pursue a graduate degree in teaching or education.

Serve others around the world

You’ll gain the skills and connections to serve others and strive for change at nonprofits and other organizations.

Journalism

You’ll be well equipped to cover world and local politics as a journalist and many students also seek a B.A. in Journalism.

Law

You can earn a minor in pre-law and receive academic advising to help you prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to continue your studies at top graduate schools. Our graduates consistently score well on graduate school entrance exams.

Skills for any field

You’ll be prepared to serve in many fields. Recent graduates work in healthcare, at nonprofits, or as social entrepreneurs, pastors, lobbyists, military officers, social workers, nurses, and more.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions, and you’ll often find students gathered in the “HiPPos Suite.”

Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Location

Clausen Center (CC) 429

Contact

Andrew Bramsen

Chris Gehrz