Belhaven University

What you'll study

The programme grounds students in core political science disciplines while integrating Belhaven's liberal arts and Christian worldview. You will study American national and state government, political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and research methods. Typical modules include:

• Foundations of Political Thought — major political philosophers and traditions from antiquity to the modern era.
• American National and State Government — constitution, branches of government, federalism and state politics.
• Comparative Politics — political systems, electoral institutions and regime types across regions.
• International Relations — theories of IR, foreign policy analysis, and global institutions.
• Public Policy and Administration — policy-making processes, program evaluation and public management.
• Research Methods and Political Data — qualitative and quantitative approaches, survey design and basic statistical tools for political research.
• Electives and Special Topics — courses in political ethics, campaign politics, human rights, or regional studies.
• Practicum/Internship and Capstone — applied experience through internships with government offices, NGOs or campaigns, and a senior capstone project or thesis synthesising coursework and research.

Students also complete Belhaven's general education core in the arts, humanities and sciences, which emphasises critical thinking, communication and a Christian worldview.

Entry requirements

Belhaven considers applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent who demonstrate academic readiness for undergraduate study. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement, and recommendation(s). The university reviews academic record holistically, taking into account coursework rigor, extracurricular engagement and character. Applicants who have completed coursework in history, civics or English are well prepared for the major. International applicants should provide proof of English proficiency. Transfer applicants should submit college transcripts and may receive credit for relevant post-secondary coursework. Contact Belhaven Admissions for details about any additional requirements or testing policies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Political Science and Government pursue a broad range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Public service and government administration at local, state or federal levels
• Law school and legal careers
• Policy analysis, legislative assistant roles and public affairs
• Political campaigns, advocacy and non-profit leadership
• International organisations, diplomacy and development work
• Journalism, communications and research roles
• Graduate study in public policy, international relations or political theory

Practical elements of the programme — internships, practicum placements and the senior capstone — help students build contacts and professional experience that support entry into these fields.

Why study at Belhaven University

Belhaven offers a small-campus environment with emphasis on faculty mentoring and faith-informed learning. Class sizes allow close interaction with professors who often bring practical experience in government, policy and law to the classroom. The university encourages internships and experiential learning in the nearby state capital and through national and global study-abroad or internship opportunities. Students benefit from a liberal arts curriculum that develops critical thinking, written and oral communication, and ethical reasoning — skills valued by employers and graduate programmes alike.

The programme is designed for students who want a rigorous grounding in political science within a community that seeks to integrate Christian convictions with public life and civic responsibility.