Cedarville Professor discusses politics on National television

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

About the B.A. in Political Science Degree

Cedarville’s B.A. in political science is distinctly Christian, intentionally rigorous, and broadly focused. The major will prepare you for a career in domestic and international affairs, campaign management, interest groups, journalism, and a host of other options. You will also be ready for advanced study in law, American politics, international relations, or political philosophy.

Political science is more than a discussion of attention-grabbing headlines; it is the study of human behavior, justice, civic responsibility, and myriad topics, all grounded in biblical truth. If you love politics and want to explore God’s purpose for government and develop a coherent idea of Christian citizenship, come study with us.

    Why Study Political Science at Cedarville?

    Political Science Program Highlights

    Broad Curriculum

    Our political science program exposes you to a breadth of knowledge in American and international politics, political philosophy, and law, all while encouraging you to examine contemporary political issues at all levels of government.

    Biblical integration

    Political science at Cedarville integrates the Christian faith with politics. What does Scripture tell us about the role of government in our world? How has human nature led to conflicts among nations? What truths in God’s Word can be applied to all citizens living in an indirect democracy like the United States? You’ll discover how politics and faith intersect.

    Real-world Political Exposure

    You’ll have an opportunity to experience a semester in Washington, D.C., getting a firsthand look at politics in our nation’s capital. As part of  D.C. Semester, you’ll also be able to complete a valuable internship.

    What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?

    Political science students develop a diverse skill set that leads to an array of career paths. A solid understanding of the political system leads some graduates to work for elected politicians, on campaigns, or in governmental agencies. Others use their knowledge and analytical skills to work in “think tanks,” nonprofits, and private corporations. Many of our graduates also take advanced degrees in law, political science, and public administration. Simply put, our students develop oral and written communication skills, and they learn to reason critically, analytically, and quantitatively. This prepares them for success in a plethora of fields.

    Political Science graduates can pursue careers in:

    • Business
    • Campaign Management
    • Federal Government
    • Interest Groups
    • Journalism
    • Law
    • Non-governmental Organizations
    • Public and International Affairs
    • State and Local Government
    • Teaching

    Our graduates are working at places such as:

    • Americans for Prosperity
    • Capitol Hill
    • Family Research Council
    • FreedomWorks
    • Government Accounting Office
    • Law firms in Boston; Washington, D.C.; Cleveland; Minneapolis; Dayton; Denver; and elsewhere
    • U.S. military
    • Williams Companies
    • Yelp

    Our graduates are studying at schools such as:

    • Case Western
    • Georgetown
    • Indiana University
    • Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
    • University of Dallas
    • University of Georgia
    • University of Kentucky
    • University of Virginia
    • Washington University

    Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

    Internships in Washington, D.C.

    You can join fellow students and a faculty member for a life-changing  D.C. Semester experience of learning, development, and service. As part of your D.C. experience, you will complete a valuable real-world internship that will help you decide what career options to pursue, build your résumé, and provide experience that sets you apart from those you will be competing against in the job market. As part of D.C. Semester, our students have interned at the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, The Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, FreedomWorks, National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Republican National Committee, the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, among others.

    The Center for Political Studies provides a biblical response to political and social issues of our day. Center Director Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is highly sought after by local media as an expert on state and national political issues.

    Placement Success

    We’re proud of our successful graduates! 100% of recent graduates from the Department of History and Government were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville’s other placement rates.

    Cedarville's Placement Rates »
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    Program Faculty

    Photo of Mark Smith

    Mark Smith, Ph.D.

    Chair, Professor of Political Science, Director of the Center for Political Studies

    • Location HGC 116 A
    • Phone 937-766-2783
    • Email Email
    Photo of Glen Duerr

    Glen Duerr, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor of International Studies

    • Location HGC 114
    • Phone 937-766-6139
    • Email Email
    Photo of Justin Lyons

    Justin Lyons, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor of Political Science

    • Location HGC 120
    • Phone 937-766-7929
    • Email Email
    Photo of Kevin Sims

    Kevin Sims, Ph.D.

    Senior Professor of Political Science

    • Location HGC 109
    • Phone 937-766-4971
    • Email Email
    Department of History and Government

    Political Science Program Curriculum

    Building on your core liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take courses in a variety of areas, including law, political philosophy, international relations, and American government. You will get a well-rounded education in politics, plus the ability to dig deeper, through seminar courses, in areas of special interest like religion and politics, campaigns and elections, nationalism, constitutional law, and key political thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Locke, and Tocqueville.

    This major is offered with a  bachelor's-to-master's accelerated completion plan.

    Sample courses:

    • American Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Rights
    • Campaigns and Elections
    View Curriculum Plan and Catalog