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Political Science Minor

Minor

With a political science minor, you’ll explore politics, develop essential skills, and explore ways to serve others.

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By adding a minor in political science, you’ll equip yourself as a reader, writer, and thinker who is prepared to make an impact. You’ll study governments, public policies, political processes and systems, and theories of political life—and you’ll examine how we think and write about political questions as Christians.

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Why should I study 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—where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning 
    We teach with the belief that all God’s creation and all human beings are worthy of study, so you’ll gain a broad knowledge of human history that is deepened by the integration of a Christian perspective.
  • Flexibility
    With only one required course, you’ll be able to pick elective courses that meet your interests and goals. 
  • 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?

As you explore political science, you’ll explore governments and political systems from a Christian perspective while developing skills that can be applied to almost any career.

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Transferable skills

As you read difficult material, discuss complex ideas, and complete writing assignments, you’ll gain skills that employers expect from well-educated people.

A strong base

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

Equipped for your next steps

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 and minors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study around the world

Study abroad through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, or summer. You can also spend a semester in Washington, D.C., with the American Studies Program, which gives you the chance to live near 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, Pi Sigma Alpha—the national political science honorary—and United Cultures of Bethel.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

You’ll gain knowledge of political systems and communication, writing, and critical thinking skills that can prepare you for almost any job.

A strong base in politics

You’ll be well-prepared for careers that intersect with politics. If you work in medicine, public health, or business, this minor can help you understand how politics shape regulations and impact your field.

Preparation for grad school or law school

You’ll be prepared to take to continue your studies at top graduate schools. And if you’re interested in becoming a lawyer, studying political science is invaluable in providing a basic grounding for studies in the law.

Stand out to employers

You’ll gain skills that employers value—skills that will prepare you for a wide variety of fields and graduate and professional schools.

Apply your faith to your career

As you wrestle with important questions and study from a Christian perspective, you’ll be well-equipped to glorify God wherever your career takes you.

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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

Andrew Bramsen

Andrew Bramsen

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Chris Gehrz

Chris Gehrz

Professor of History

Bio >

Charles Goldberg

Charles Goldberg

Associate Professor of History

Bio >

AnneMarie Kooistra

AnneMarie Kooistra

Professor of History

Bio >

Christopher Moore

Christopher Moore

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Sam Mulberry

Sam Mulberry

Assistant Professor of History and Co-Director of the Academic Enrichment and Support Center

Bio >

Sara Shady

Sara Shady

Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

Lynn Uzzell

Lynn Uzzell

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Dan Yim

Dan Yim

Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Bruce Berglund

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

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Michael Bumann

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

Omar Fakhri

Omar Fakhri

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Bart Fischer

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

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Andrew Greenlee

Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Rushika Hage

Adjunct Instructor of History

Bio >

Amy Poppinga

Amy Poppinga

Adjunct Associate Professor of History

Bio >

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Todd Kline

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

Haley Wireman-Sobba

Haley Wireman-Sobba

Adjunct Instructor of Political Science

Bio >

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Haley Wireman-Sobba

Adjunct Instructor of Political Science

Bio >

James Hurd

James Hurd

Professor of Anthropology Emeritus

Bio >

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John Lawyer

Professor of Political Science Emeritus

Bio >

Samuel Zalanga

Samuel Zalanga

Professor of Sociology Emeritus

Bio >

150+

students in the department

60%

recent alumni continuing their studies in graduate school

93%

of recent alumni say their studies enhanced their writing, critical thinking, and research abilities

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements