Berea College

What you'll study

The Political Science and Government major introduces students to the institutions, ideas and processes that shape political life at local, national and international levels. Core coursework typically covers American national and state government, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy, and research methods. Students learn qualitative and quantitative approaches to political inquiry, including courses in political statistics, research design, and policy analysis.

• Foundations of American Government and Politics
• Comparative Government and Politics
• Introduction to International Relations
• Political Theory: classical and contemporary perspectives
• Public Policy and Administration
• Research Methods in Political Science and Applied Statistics
• Constitutional Law, Elections and Campaigns, or Political Economy (electives)
• Capstone seminar or senior thesis involving original research
• Internship, practicum, or community‑engaged learning placement

The programme is structured within Berea’s liberal arts curriculum, so students also complete general education requirements across the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Emphasis is placed on small‑group discussion, writing, and collaborative research projects, and students are encouraged to pursue internships with local governments, non‑profits, advocacy organisations, or legislative offices. Opportunities for independent study, practicum credits and study‑away experiences are available to enrich classroom learning.

Entry requirements

Berea College evaluates applicants holistically with attention to academic preparation, character, commitment to service and financial need. Typical expectations for admission to the college and the political science major include a secondary school diploma or equivalent and a transcript showing a strong college‑preparatory curriculum. Admissions materials commonly include a personal statement or essays, recommendation letters, and information about extracurricular and community engagement.

Because Berea’s mission prioritises access for students of limited financial means, applicants should demonstrate financial need; Berea’s distinctive work‑college model requires students to participate in a campus work programme as part of their education. Transfer applicants are considered with submission of college transcripts and evidence of readiness for upper‑level coursework. Some course prerequisites (for example, introductory political science or statistics) may be required before advanced classes.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Political Science and Government degree from Berea move into a wide range of careers. The programme prepares students for public service roles in municipal, state and federal government, positions in non‑profit organisations, policy research and analysis, campaign and political organising, and community development. Many graduates go on to professional programmes such as law school, public administration, or graduate study in political science, international relations, or public policy.

Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst, legislative aide or public affairs specialist
• Local government administrator or community development worker
• Non‑profit program coordinator or advocacy organiser
• Public interest lawyer (with further legal training)
• Journalist, researcher or campaign staff

Berea’s emphasis on experiential learning, internships and the campus work programme helps students develop transferable skills in research, writing, public communication and project management valued by employers and graduate programmes.

Why study at Berea College

Berea College combines a liberal arts education with a distinctive work‑college model: every student participates in a campus work programme that offsets tuition and builds practical experience. The college’s small size fosters close faculty mentoring, seminar‑style classes and opportunities for undergraduate research and leadership.

Students in the political science major benefit from an engaged campus community, partnerships with regional organisations and government offices for internships, and a curriculum that links theory to practice. Berea’s mission of access and service makes it well suited to students who want a rigorous academic experience grounded in civic engagement and community responsibility.