If you’re interested in studying politics with an emphasis on social justice, you’re in luck. The Goshen College political studies minor introduces students to an interdisciplinary approach that combines the analysis of American government, international politics, and political theory with a variety of other disciplines.
This program is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the political science landscape and provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary for advocating for positive social and political change. Whether your interests lie in government, advocacy organizations, the non-profit sector, law, or any other industry, our political studies courses will help you succeed.
Combine an introductory course in political science with government study and other areas of interest to gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape. Whether you want to work in national agencies, advocacy departments, or in another industry, our minor in political studies will help you stay ahead of the curve and become a leader in your field.
Students majoring in other disciplines can pair introductory courses in political science, political thought, and political power with their majors tailored to their unique interests with a variety of options! Political science, history, political theory, international relations, political institutions, peace studies, comparative politics, electoral politics, political behavior, American politics, social work, environmental studies, and the social sciences are just a few subjects that political studies minors engage in while at GC. And outside the classroom, they can stay politically active on campus by joining the Student Senate or the PAX peace and justice club.
Employers are looking for graduates with strong critical thinking, communication, and writing skills in today’s job market. These skills will benefit you no matter what career path you choose. A minor in political studies will give you an edge by teaching you to think critically about complex issues and communicate your ideas effectively.
With a minor in political studies, you will learn:
Our approach to political studies will prepare you to work toward positive social and political change, whether you want to work in government, public administration, public policy, non-profit organizations, or in any legal profession.
The minor in political studies is open to all students at Goshen College.
So if you’re ready to take the next step in your journey toward social and political change, enroll in the political studies minor at Goshen College today.
Krysttal Ortega, a sophomore criminal justice and restorative justice major at Goshen College, will participate in the prestigious Roadmap Scholars Initiative at the University of Virginia this summer. The program accepts roughly a dozen students every year from across the country.
Robert Fatton '76, Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia and Author of' The Guise of Exceptionalism: Unmasking the National Narratives of Haiti and the United States,' talks about Haiti's current economic and political challenges.
Ambassador David Reimer is the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone effective March 2021, replacing outgoing Ambassador Maria E. Brewer.
of alumni agreed that history professors are genuinely interested in their students
Number of history courses that will take you off-campus (Paraguay, Southwest U.S., Morocco)
of GC history and political science faculty have Ph.D.s
of history alumni agree that their undergraduate education prepared them for graduate or professional school
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
With more than 25 years of experience in conflict prevention, transformation and peacebuilding, Philip Thomas ’87 has dedicated his life to helping facilitate peace and reconciliation.
Philip's storyClarissa Gaff graduated from Goshen College in 2000 with a degree in English along with a history minor. Today, she is a staff attorney at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation.
Clarissa's storyJason has a Ph.D. in Latin American history and environmental history from the University of North Carolina, where he studied the social and environmental history of the Pantanal.
Jason's storyRon Kraybill graduated from GC in 1976. Today, he is a peace and development adviser for the United Nations. He has been negotiating peaceful elections in Lesotho since 2009.
Ron's storyRegina Shands Stoltzfus
Professor of Peace Justice & Conflict Studies
Director of PJCS
