Political Science: B.A.

Do you want to make a difference in your community, country or the world at large? As a political science major, you will learn more than how the governing process works – you will be challenged to consider your own convictions and personal responsibility to bring about change and play an active role in making our world a better place.

By studying a range of topics under Ouachita’s experienced faculty, you will make important connections that deepen your understanding and appreciation for politics and law, theory and statistics, relationships and the art of communication. But more than that, you will find our faculty believe in you – the next generation of leaders and public servants.

Attorney

Campaign Manager

Communication Professional

Elected or Appointed Official

Government Agency Administrator

Non-Profit Advocate or Administrator

Policy Analyst

American National Government

The American Presidency

Comparative Politics

Constitutional Law

Parties, Campaigns, and Elections

Third World Politics

Washington Seminar

Western Political Thought

View the Ouachita catalog for a full course listing with course descriptions.

Business Administration

Communications & Media

History

Carl Goodson Honors Program

Legal Studies

Psychology (on campus)

View the detailed degree requirements PDF to see all courses included in the program.

Learn more about the School of Social Sciences.

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Hours Required for the Major, Allowing for Second Major

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Acceptance Rate to Law/Graduate Schools (2020)

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Students Recognized at 2021 Midwest Model UN

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Political Science Faculty Hold Doctoral Degrees

In their words

hear from a faculty member & student

"My classes have expanded my knowledge and allowed me to prepare for the future that I am striving for. My professors genuinely care about my well-being and teach me all of the things I need to succeed. There are staff and students openly ready to help with applications, study material and even prep courses. The Pre-Law Society has been particularly helpful in providing the information I need to take those next steps. Most importantly, my college experience is strengthening my faith and allows me to place my future in the hands of the Lord."

Madison Cresswell headshot Madison Cresswell
2021 political science and communications & media/multimedia journalism graduate from North Little Rock, Ark.

BUILD ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND JUMP IN WITH ACTION

Studying political science at Ouachita will prepare you academically as you develop critical thinking skills, learn to formulate and defend an argument, hone your writing and public speaking skills and become a capable researcher. But you also will be encouraged to act on the ideas and issues being discussed in the world around you through opportunities such as Student Senate, Pi Sigma Alpha honor society, campus chapters of Young Democrats and College Republicans and the community at large.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Many political science students participate in life-changing internships, giving them the chance to serve the public while gaining important insight into the political process. Our Washington Seminar course also takes students to our nation’s capital to observe government and politics firsthand. Some students have explored the complexities of international relations by serving as delegates to the Midwest Model United Nations, while others have applied for and received research grants.

MAKE CONNECTIONS ACADEMICALLY & PROFESSIONALLY

Developing enlightened, well-rounded individuals is central to both the field of political science and Ouachita’s liberal arts mission. You will make important academic connections as you study world and American politics, political theory, statistics and more. You also will benefit from building important professional connections through Ouachita’s diverse network of alumni, current students, guest speakers and faculty.

EDUCATION THAT OPENS DOORS

to exciting and rewarding careers

Where do you hope to go after college? As a political science major at Ouachita, dedicated faculty will help you shape a meaningful career path that starts with a firm academic foundation and experiential learning opportunities. Our alumni have achieved success in the fields of law, government, business and communication. They also have held elective offices, including Arkansas Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State and Speaker of the House, as well as federal and state judges, state legislators, city and county board members and mayors.

Batson honored by Chamber of Commerce

Arkadelphia native Blaise Batson, a freshman communications & media and political science double major, received the President’s Accomplished Youth Award from the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce. Batson was presented her award during the 2024 Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber Annual Banquet, held Thursday, April 11, in the Garrison Center Grand Ballroom at Henderson State University.

Ouachita Baptist University's 2023 delegates to the Midwest Model United Nations

Ouachita students win multiple awards at Midwest Model United Nations conference

Seven students from Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Political Science participated in the Midwest Model United Nations, held Feb. 22-25 in St. Louis, Mo. Each received recognition for excellence.

Three Ouachita seniors intern for U.S. Sen. Boozman

Three students from Ouachita Baptist University completed a five-week congressional internship for U.S. Sen. John Boozman this summer. Noah Sanders, a senior political science and Christian studies double major from Little Rock, Ark., and Sarah Spakes, a senior political science and public history double major from Benton, Ark., interned in Boozman’s Washington, D.C., office while Kathryn Totty, a senior political science and communications & media double major from Camden, Ark., interned in Boozman’s El Dorado office.

Ouachita team places in regional ethics bowl

A team of Ouachita Baptist University students earned fifth place in the 25th Annual Texas Regional Ethics Bowl on Friday, Nov. 12, in San Antonio.

Matthew Shepherd ('98)

There are a few things that seem to be in Matthew Shepherd’s DNA—politics, law, Arkansas and Ouachita. He is a fifth-generation Ouachitonian, a family legacy starting with his great-great-grandfather, who attended Ouachita in the 1890s.

GET IN TOUCH

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Political Science: B.A.

W.H. Sutton School of Social Sciences