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Politics & Philosophy Major

Discover connections between faith, reason, justice, liberty and equality as you make a difference in public life.

As a Politics & Philosophy Major, you will learn how to analyze arguments, sort through complexities, and compare worldviews with a Christian perspective. You’ll be prepared and equipped to serve others and preserve the common good in the areas of public law and policy, diplomacy, government, international service, journalism, law, teaching and more.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BA

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

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Through Houghton’s major in Politics & Philosophy, you will combine theory and practice as you:

  • Study moral and political philosophy with attention to public policy, public law and political science
  • Gain a broad overview of the history of philosophy and a deep understanding of the thoughts of important thinkers and topics
  • Explore and wrestle with foundational issues, what it means to be human and the nature of the world we live in
  • Learn to analyze arguments with attention to competing points of view and to present your own views thoughtfully in research and writing
  • Learn to defend yourself against intellectual fads and fashions and to navigate heated public controversies
  • Understand what the Christian faith means for our responsibilities to our neighbors, our society and our world

Why study Politics & Philosophy at Houghton?

Academic Excellence

This major will push you to combine theory and practice as you work with faculty to consider the implications of faith for public life. From domestic politics to the international arena, faculty will push you to consider what we as a society should do about important problems and why we should do it.  Faculty are published scholars who actively contribute to public debates about morality, justice, and the law.

Vibrant Department Culture

Feel like you belong and have fun with classmates and professors. Look forward to experiences like chapel-watch parties, bonfires, reading together, and more. Learn from faculty that are committed to the local church. They will support you and help you explore your faith and its connections to a broad array of disciplines. Small class sizes allow for focused discussion, engaging literature and developmental writing.

Experiential Learning

As a Politics & Philosophy major, you'll have the opportunity to attend professional conferences. You can also take advantage of internships, independent study and study abroad opportunities. Experiences that will expand your horizons and deepen your perspectives.

For those pursuing pre-law, after your first year, you will have the opportunity to apply for a Student Pre-Law Fellowship. If awarded, you'll receive $5,000 towards your tuition!

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses

POLS 205 In Search of Justice

How do we do justice and avoid injustice through political activity? Explore the possibilities and pitfalls of the search for justice by considering classic theories of justice, studying citizen action and the policy process, and examining case studies of specific issues such as immigration, capital punishment, or other issues of current concern.

PHIL 237 Just War?

Explore the dominant tradition in the ethics of warfare, the Just War tradition. Topics include both the traditional criteria of jus ad bellum (just causes for going to war) and jus in bello (just behavior within a war) and critics – both pacifist and “realist.” Discover how new technologies and new kinds of conflict challenge these traditions.

PHIL/POLS 275 Philosophy of Law

Introduction to fundamental issues surrounding the concept of law, such as the debate between natural law theorists (who maintain that there is a law above human law) and legal positivists (who deny this) as well as issues such as punishment and the basis of the legitimacy of legislative authority.

Degree Options

BA - 124 credits

20-22 credits
Required Courses

102-104 credits
Electives + General Education

Degree Requirements

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What can I do with a degree in politics and philosophy?

Career Opportunities

Students earning a BA degree in Politics & Philosophy from Houghton University are prepared to for careers in many areas, including but not limited to:

Government Workers
Journalists
Legislators
Pre-Law
Policy Analysts
Political Scientists
Postsecondary Teachers
Relief Workers

Requires further education.

Graduate School

Here are Master's degrees options for a Politics & Philosophy major:

  • Economics
  • Education
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Public Policy
  • Public Administration

7%

Career growth for Political Scientists.

From 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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96%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2023

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

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Pre-Law

Undergraduate - Course of study

Ready for what's next?

Discover if earning your degree in Politics & Philosophy from Houghton University is right for you.

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Questions?

Contact Undergraduate Admission

Email: admission@houghton.edu
Call 1-800-777-2556