Department of Political Science

Above: Our Spring 2015 interns at the Minnesota capitol.

POLITICAL SCIENCE IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST POLITICS.

ITS ABOUT LEARNING WHAT JUSTICE REQUIRES.
The Department of Political Science helps students understand and use the tools of political science to
prepare for careers in public life and more. Youll search for truth through acts of justice, liberty, power,
order, and peace as theyre expressed in political life.
Youll get more than a bachelors degree from Bethel. You get a community driven to help you accomplish
great things.

Our Majors For more information, contact:

Political Science (B.A.) Fred Van Geest, chair
Business & Political Science (B.A.) Department of Political Science
International Relations (B.A.) f-van-geest@bethel.edu | Academic Center 215

Our Minor
Political Science
 B.A. in Political Science B.A. in Business & Political Science

Political Science is the study of governments, public policies
and political processes, systems, and political behavior. At
Bethel, we offer courses in the political science subfields of
political theory, American politics, comparative politics,
international relations, and public administration. We
cover the field with a keen eye towards integrating the best
that political science has to offer with the demands of the
Christian faith.
What can I do with this degree?
The Business and Political Science major involves the study
of political processes and systems, as well as foundations
in economics and business. It gives students a some of both
worlds, providing flexibility for a wide range of careers.
Students learn the governments role in society and the
interaction between economic and political life. Tailor the
program to your interests, focusing on one of four subfields:
American politics, Comparative politics, International
relations, or Political theory.
What can I do with this degree?

Various job titles our alumni have in public accounting Business and Political Science majors have gone on to pursue
firms, corporations, government agencies, or not-for-profit a wide variety of vocations. There is no single path, but
organizations: plenty of exciting possibilities!
Auditor Tax accountant Work for large and small State or federal
Internal auditor Tax consultant corporations government
Staff accountant Corporate accountant City management and Earn an MBA, MPA, or
Financial analyst Consultant administration other masters level public
Law affairs degree
What skills will I develop? What skills will I develop?
Analytical capabilities Writing abilities Statistical analysis Research
Administrative employers expect from Accounting Policy analysis
competence well-educated people Marketing Written and oral
Communication skills Sharp critical thinking Management communication
Comprehending difficult skills Law finance Critical thinking
material Preparedness for graduate
Articulation of complex or professional education
ideas

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
Off-campus study: spend a semester in Washington, D.C.
with the American Studies Program, where students live
8 blocks east of the Capitol, and complete an internship in
D.C. while taking political science courses.
Spring internships: many students complete internships
in St. Paul with the Minnesota State Senate, gaining real-
world experience in the operation of state government.
Students demonstrating academic excellence are invited
to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science
Honorary Society.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
Internships with private companies, nonprofits, or
governmental agencies in the Twin Cities.
American Studies Program in Washington, D.C.
Study abroad through programs offered in the Business
and Economics Department to places like India or
Europe.
On-campus business or political science club participation.
Students demonstrating academic excellence are invited
to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science
Honorary Society.

20% 97%
job placement rate
department students double-major

2 | bethel.edu/undergrad/political-science
 B.A. in International Relations

The International Relations major is a multidisciplinary

major that equips students with the skills and tools of
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
political science, economics, business, and history, as well BU Model United Nations
as other disciplines to excel at a variety of careers both Bethels Model UN group attends the
domestically and abroad. Students who complete this Collegiate Model United Nations Conference
major appreciate the flexibility of a multidisciplinary major in Chicago, Illinois each year. Previous
combined with small class sizes, close connections with representations have included Saudi Arabia
faculty, and an emphasis on learning abroad.
and Cameroon. For the 2016 conference,
they will represent Colombia. The 2015 team
What can I do with this degree? received a white paper award for their work
Our International Relations degree prepares graduates for a as Saudi Arabia.
variety of career options working in the U.S. and abroad. Our
students also go on to prestigious graduate schools. Pi Sigma Alpha Honorary
Work for large and small State or federal Society
corporations government Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political
City management and Earn an MBA, M.P.A., science honorary society. Academically
administration J.D., or other masters achieving students are invited to apply
Law level public affairs degree to the society. Upon acceptance, a small
What skills will I develop? ceremony is conducted.
Read deeply Economic data analysis
Write clearly and and interpretation Campus Leadership
persuasively Increase cultural Many of our students, serve their fellow
Communicate cogently intelligence, students and grow in their skills through
Historical and interpersonally and in positions in Bethel Student Government
contemporary global business practices (BSG) groups, including as Student Body
politics Foreign language skills
president and vice president, United Cultures
Make plans for the future
of Bethel, Student Senate, and much more.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have? They put their skills and knowledge to work
building and leading teams, managing
International Relations majors are required to
budgets, advocating for and representing
participate in at least one study abroad experience.
their peers, and collaborating together.
In recent years, students have studied in the United
Kingdom, China, India, Egypt, Israel, Belgium, and New
Zealand, amongst many others. Bethel Business & Economics
Many majors participate in BUMUN, Bethels Model Association (BBEA)
United Nations program, Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Students in the Business and Political
political science honorary, and United Cultures of Bethel.
Science major (and business minors) are
welcome to join BBEA, a student-led
academic club for students connected to the
Business and Economics department. BBEA
plans and hosts events throughout the year
that seek to equip, prepare, and enhance
the business students acumen through a

75%
variety of formats including site visits, panel
discussions, guest speakers, and social
gatherings.

students study abroad

EXPLORE ISSUES. FIND YOUR PASSION. | 3

 Major in Political Science (B.A.) Major in Business & Political Science (B.A.)
POS211 The Political Quest.............................................3 BUS105 Information Technology and Applications... 3
POS499 Senior Seminar....................................................4 ECO201 Principles of Economics...................................4
Choose from American politics & government courses:.... 3 Choose from:..................................................................................3
POS100 American Politics and Government BUS100M Business Calculus
POS216L American Constitutional History BUS130 Business Problem Solving
POS219L Public Leadership MAT207M Statistical Analysis............................................3
POS230L Politics and Religion in the United POS211 The Political Quest.............................................3
States
POS306 Public Administration POS306 Public Administration.......................................3
POS325 Political Communication POS499 Senior Seminar....................................................4
POS330K Science, Values, and the Making of Choose from:..................................................................................3
Environmental Policy POS100 American Politics and Government
POS340 American Political Institutions POS202U Introduction to International Relations
POS342 American Public Policy Choose from:................................................................................15
Choose from international relations courses: ...................3 BUS210 Financial Accounting
POS202U Introduction to International Relations BUS220 Principles of Marketing
POS305G The Cold War BUS230 Principles of Management
POS310 American Foreign Relations BUS344 Managerial Finance
POS313G The Politics of Globalization: BUS361 Business Law
Diplomacy, Trade, and Organization Elective from 200-level or above economics course,
Choose from comparative politics courses:........................3 excluding ECO200 Economics of Public
POS205 Introduction to Comparative Politics Policy Analysis.....................................................3
POS241L Revolution and Political Development Choose one course from three of the following four
POS304 Political Parties
POS315 The Politics of Terrorism and areas:..................................................................9-10
Counterterrorism American Politics and Government:
POS317 Political Psychology POS325, POS330K, POS340, POS342
POS321 Contemporary Democracies International Relations:
POS324G Human Rights in International History POS305G, POS310, POS313G, POS324G
POS329 African Politics Comparative Politics:
POS304, POS315, POS317, POS321,
Choose from political philosophy courses:.....................3-4 POS329
POS221L American Political Ideologies Political Philosophy:
POS345 Modern Political Thought POS345, POS360
POS360 Classics in Western Political Philosophy _____
Electives from political science courses............................15
____ 53-54
34-35 General Education 51-52

General Education 51-52 Electives 16-18
_____
Electives 35-37
____ TOTAL 122
TOTAL 122

Course listings taken from the 2016-2017 Catalog and are subject to change.

OFF-CAMPUS STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

All students are strongly encouraged to American Studies Program in Washington,
take advantage of at least one special study D.C. (ASP) Founded in 1976, ASP serves as
opportunity as part of their major or minor, such Bethels Washington, D.C., campus. Students
as: gain hands-on experience with an internship
Guatemala Term (Bethel sponsored) in their chosen field and explore p ressing
Latin American Studies Program national and international issues in public
Spain Term (Bethel sponsored) policy seminars that are issue-oriented and
Foreign study (full year, one semester, or interdisciplinary. Internships are available in a
interim) wide range of fields.

4 | bethel.edu/undergrad/political-science
 Major in International Relations (B.A.)
ECO201 Principles of Economics..............................................................4
ECO305 International Trade and Finance.............................................3
GEO120 Introduction to Geography.........................................................3
POS202U Introduction to International Relations................................3
POS205 Introduction to Comparative Politics.....................................3
POS211 The Political Quest........................................................................3
POS310 American Foreign Relations......................................................3
A modern world language.....................................................................................6
Culminating Experience (Directed Study, Senior Seminar, etc.)..........4
Choose from political science:............................................................................6
POS241L Revolution and Political Development
POS304 Political Parties and Elections
POS305G The Cold War
POS310 American Foreign Relations
POS313G The Politics of Globalization
POS315 Politics of Terrorism and Counterterrorism
POS321 Contemporary Democracies
POS324G Human Rights in International History
POS329 African Politics
POS356 The Modern Middle East
Choose from business and economics:............................................................3
BUS370G International Business
ECO320G Economic Development of Less-Developed Countries
Choose from the courses listed above or below..........................................15
3 credits must be from departments other than economics,
modern world languages, and political science.
6 credits must be 300 level or above
Anthropology and Sociology History
ANT214G Peoples and Cultures of Latin HIS201U Asian Civilizations
America HIS204U African Civilizations
ANT241UZ Peoples and Cultures of Africa HIS205U History of China, Korea, and Japan
ANT371G Christianity in Cross-Cultural HIS206U History of India and Its Neighbors
Perspective HIS212U Intro to the Muslim World
SCS350 Qualitative Methods HIS230L World War I
SCS351 Quantitative Methods HIS231L World War II
SOC372G Religion in Society HIS328G Muslim Women in History
Biblical and Theological Studies HIS/GEO320K History and the Human
REL201 Religion and Art in Asia Environment
THE263 Christian Social Ethics HIS354 Modern Europe
THE312L Post-Reformation to Contemporary Modern World Languages
Theology One modern world language course at the
THE326G Christian Theology in Africa, Asia, intermediate level or above
and Latin America Philosophy
General Studies PHI210L The Modern Mind
GES416P Christian Perspectives of Global PHI252 History of Philosophy II
Peacemaking PHI375G Asian Thought
GES427P Genocide, Terrorism, and Christian Political Science
Response POS317 Political Psychology
GES440P Christian Nonviolence POS410 Topics in Political Science
GES441PZ Issues and Praxis in Christian Social Psychology
Justice PSY215 Social Psychology
PSY308G Cross-Cultural Psychology
____

53
General Education 51-52
Electives 17-18
Students are strongly encouraged to seek appropriate international ____
study experiences, for which academic credit will be given wherever TOTAL 122
possible under Bethel policies.
Course listings taken from the 2016-2017 Catalog and are subject to change.

EXPLORE ISSUES. FIND YOUR PASSION. | 5

 Minor in Political Science
POS211 The Political Quest.............................................3 Pre-law Education
Electives from political science courses,
of which at least 7 credits must be Students planning to attend law school after graduation
300 level or above..............................................15
should seek a broad liberal arts education. Law schools do
____ not recommend any specific pre-law curriculum and accept
TOTAL 18 students from many majors. The Law School Admission Test
Course listings taken from the 2016-2017 Catalog and are subject to change.
(LSAT), which is an essential gateway to legal education,
examines students abilities in reading comprehension as
well as logical and analytical reasoning. Thus, students
need to develop their thinking, writing, and speaking skills
through a variety of courses and experiences, and gain a
critical understanding of human behavior, institutions, and
values.

The following courses may be especially helpful for students

INTERNSHIPS
considering careers in law, though they are not required for
admission to law school.
BUS210 Financial Accounting
Learning goes beyond the classroom. ECO201 Principles of Economics
Were committed to providing ENW205A Essay Writing
students with structured, relevant, HIS/POS216L American Constitutional History
off-campus work experience through PHI225M Introduction to Logic
internships. Students log a minimum POS100 American Politics and Government
of 135 hours at their internship site for
the semester credit. . PRE-LAW PLANNING
The internship experience leads A solid background in the liberal arts is excellent preparation
many of our graduates to full-time for a career in law. Bethel alumni have achieved great
employment, either at their internship success in both admission to law school and in the careers
location, or through the connections which followed their legal education.
made there. Within the past decade, our students have been in the classes
POS481: Internship in Political Science at some of our countrys best law schools, including Harvard
University, University of Virginia, and George Washington
An off-campus working experience University, and have been well-represented in local and
in a government agency or political regional schools as well. Our alumni have gone on to careers
organization under appropriate in the judiciary, at corporate law firms, in the government,
supervision. Placement is arranged as well as at a variety of non-profit organizations, boutique
individually with the Department law firms, and a myriad of other places. If a legal career is
something that interests you, youre in the right place.
of Political Science. Settings have
included: At Bethel, pre-law advising is handled in the Political
Science department. Professor Andrew Bramsen is the
Minnesota State Legislature pre-law advisor, and he is happy to meet with students in
Local government any major who are interested in discussing the possibility of
careers in the law.
Political campaigns
Beyond faculty advising, we are able to match students with
Interest groups alumni working in various legal careers so that you can make
a good decision about whether this career path is right for
you. Mentoring relationships and internships with alumni in
many different areas of the law can play an important role in
your discernment process, as you will learn firsthand what
lawyers really do, and what their professional lives are like.

6 | bethel.edu/undergrad/political-science
RESOURCES FOR PROSPECTIVE LAW
SCHOOL STUDENTS
For further reading on the decision about whether or not
to go to law school, consider the following. Copies of print
resources can be borrowed from the pre-law advisor.
Pre-Law: A National Jurist Publication: A quarterly
journal covering legal education from the perspective of
prospective students and Pre-Law Advisors.
Should You Really Be A Lawyer? The Guide to Smart
Career Choices Before, During & After Law School by
Deborah Schneider and Gary Belsky. Published by
Lawyer Avenue Press, 2010.
The Law School Admission Councils website includes a
section for prospective law students: www.lsac.org. Click
on Future JD Students.
The American Bar Association, the professional
organization for the legal profession, has a section for
students containing resources that may be of interest
to pre-law students: americanbar.org/portals/
lawstudents.html.
EXPLORE ISSUES. FIND YOUR PASSION.
A WORD ON PARALEGAL CAREERS...
Careers in law are still possible, even without a law degree.
Some of our recent graduates have found fulfilling work as
paralegals. For more information on this career, go to the
American Association for Paralegal Educations website at
www.aafpe.org.
Several metro-area institutions offer ABA-approved
Paralegal Certificate Programs which may be appropriate for
students who already possess a bachelors degree:
Hamline University
Inver Hills Community College: depts.inverhills.edu/
paralegal/paralegal-certificate-program.htm
North Hennepin Community College: nhcc.edu/
academic-programs/degrees-and-certificates/paralegal/
paralegal-as
Other institutions offer various paralegal programs of
varying quality. Investigate these programs carefully.
| 7
Our Full-time Faculty

DR. ANDREW BRAMSEN

Assistant Professor of Political Science and Pre-law Advisor
B.A., University of South Carolina Aiken
M.A., Baylor University
M.A., University of Notre Dame
Ph. D., University of Notre Dame

Research interests: comparative politics, political theory, African

politics and Islam.

DR. MITCHELL KRUMM

Assistant Professor of Political Science
B.A., Ohio State University
M.A., Indiana University
Ph.D., Indiana University

Research and teaching interests: modern and contemporary

political theory, American political thought, religion in American
politics, and American political institutions.

DR. CHRISTOPHER MOORE

Assistant Professor of Political Science
B.A., Albion College
M.A., Ohio State University
Ph.D., Ohio State University

Research interests: interstate violence including terrorism,

insurgency, coups dtat, and weapons of mass destruction; teaching
interests in international relations, foreign policy, and political
psychology.

DR. FRED VAN GEEST

Department Chair and Professor of Political Science
B.A., The University of Western Ontario
M.P.A., Carleton University (Ontario, Canada)
Ph.D., Queens University (Ontario, Canada)

Research interests: intersection of Christianity and politics;

teaching interests in comparative politics, public administration,
and religion and politics

Department of Political Science

3900 Bethel Drive
St. Paul, MN 55112

bethel.edu/undergrad/political-science