Applied Politics, B.A.
The Applied Politics degree offers a hands-on approach not found in most political science programs. The difference is experiential. Students don’t just read about the political process – they participate in it through internships and other opportunities to network and dialogue with key political constituents. Students will be prepared to analyze political issues from various perspectives and to create effective political campaigns.
The Applied Politics major has two critical points of emphasis. The first is academics. Students will be introduced to the basics of developing and implementing successful political campaigns and will study U.S. History and U.S. government at the Federal, state and local levels. The second emphasis is on internships. Successful students must move beyond the classroom and apply what they are learning in a “real world” environment. Students will have three internships obtaining a variety of experiences to broaden their professional networks.
Program Requirements
Bethel Core
| BIBL 215 | Old Testament Literature | 3 |
| BIBL 216 | New Testament Literature | 3 |
| COMM 171 | Speech Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 101 | Written Communication II | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Written Communication III | 3 |
| Art/Drama/Music | 3 |
| | |
| Foreign Language (two semesters) | 6 |
| OR | |
| 1 semester at 200 (Intermediate) level | 3 |
| | |
| HIST 246 | Introduction to World Civilizations | 3 |
| KINE 252 | Fitness/Wellness | 1 |
| | |
| KINE 117 | On the Ball Training | 1 |
| OR | |
| KINE 124 | Aerobics | 1 |
| OR | |
| KINE 128 | Physical Fitness | 1 |
| OR | |
| KINE 135 | Weight Training | 1 |
| | |
LIT
| Literature | 3 |
| MATH 111 | Basic Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| PHIL 250 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 452 | Senior Experience | 1 |
| PSYC 182 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 151 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| Science with Lab | 4 |
| THEO 110 | Exploring the Christian Faith | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 49-52 |
Core Courses
| APOL 110 | Introduction to Applied Politics | 3 |
| APOL 250 | Field Experience in Applied Politics I | 1-4 |
| APOL 320 | Political Campaigns and Elections | 3 |
| APOL 350 | Field Experience in Applied Politics II | 1-4 |
| APOL 450 | Practicum in Applied Politics | 3-9 |
| HIST 242 | United States History I | 3 |
| HIST 243 | United States History II | 3 |
| SS 280 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| SS 305 | United States Government | 3 |
| SS 450 | Assessment Portfolio | 0-2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 35 |
Electives
Electives needed to complete degree
Total Credit Hours: 120