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Business and Political Science Major

Bachelor of Arts

With a business and political science major, you’ll explore the intersection of business and politics and prepare for a wide variety of career paths and opportunities.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Business and Political Science, you’ll gain skills to serve in unique roles that blend politics, policy, and business. You’ll be prepared to work for government agencies in administrative positions, or you can focus on the intersection of politics and economics and seek a career in economic policy or management. You’ll also be prepared to serve businesses that have extensive interaction with government agencies. No matter your path, you’ll gain key skills to reach your full potential and go into the world to serve.

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Why should I study business and political science at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Business and the Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science—often called the HiPPos. In all your classes, you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. 

  • Faith-fueled learning
    As you study governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior, you’ll integrate your Christian faith and explore the intersection of faith and politics.
  • A community where you belong
    You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success.

  • Join our vibrant and active business community
    Here, you won’t study business or start your career alone. You’ll join our strong business community, find mentorship, and build a network with classmates and professionals through BBEA, BethelBiz, and much more.

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Contact us

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in business and political science, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. And you’ll experience a variety of great courses where you’ll explore big questions and apply them to modern issues.

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A strong base in political science

Through the study of political science, students develop a set of analytical capabilities, administrative competence, and communication skills that are valued in many careers.

Core business knowledge

As you explore the interaction of business and politics, you’ll develop core skills in areas like accounting, marketing, management, law, finance, research, and policy analysis.

Transferable skills

As you read difficult material, discuss complex ideas, and complete writing assignments, you’ll gain skills that will set you apart.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop sharp critical thinking skills that set you apart in the private and public sectors, and these skills will also equip you to pursue graduate or professional education.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away. You won’t have to wait until you’re an upperclassman.

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Study abroad

Study around the world through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer, including trips to India or Europe with the Department of Business. You can spend a semester in Washington, D.C., with the American Studies Program, which gives you the chance to live eight blocks east of the U.S. Capitol and complete an internship while continuing your studies.

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Internships

You'll have the opportunity to intern with the Minnesota State Legislature, local governments, campaigns, nonprofits, and interest groups in the Twin Cities and beyond.

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Clubs and organizations

You can participate in Bethel’s Model United Nations program (BUMUN); Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary; and United Cultures of Bethel. You can also build valuable connections through business-related groups like BBEA and BethelBiz, a mentorship program that will connect with alums serving in a career that meets your goals.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with a business and political science degree?

As you study business and political science, you’ll become the person you’re meant to be and become equipped for a life of purpose in almost any field.

Politics and government

You’ll forge the skills to work in federal, state, and local politics. Or you can work in lobbying, campaign management, polling, and city management and administration.

Business

You’ll be able to use your skills in fields like marketing, recruiting, financial services, sales, and human resources.

Education

If you’re interested in teaching, you can pair your major with an education degree or pursue a graduate degree in teaching or education.

Serve others around the world

You’ll gain the skills and connections to serve others and strive for change at nonprofits and other organizations.

Journalism

You’ll be well equipped to cover world and local politics as a journalist and many students also seek a B.A. in Journalism.

Law

You can earn a minor in pre-law and receive academic advising to help you prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to continue your studies at top graduate schools. Our graduates consistently score well on graduate school entrance exams.

Skills for any field

You’ll be prepared to serve in many fields. Recent graduates work in healthcare, at nonprofits, or as social entrepreneurs, pastors, lobbyists, military officers, social workers, nurses, and more.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. And in our state-of-the-art business space, you’ll find a large lounge space, huddle rooms, and interactive classrooms where you can connect with classmates and professors every day.

Department of Business


Location

Robertson Center (RC) 310

Contact

Mary Ann Harris

Bethany Opsata

Chris Gehrz

Chris Gehrz

Professor of History

Bio >

Mary Ann Harris

Mary Ann Harris

Professor of Business

Bio >

Bethany Opsata

Bethany Opsata

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Andrew Bramsen

Andrew Bramsen

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Shyla Allard

Shyla Allard

Assistant Professor of Business

Bio >

Mauvalyn Bowen

Mauvalyn Bowen

Professor of Business

Bio >

Michael Disher

Michael Disher

Assistant Professor of Economics

Bio >

Leo Gabriel

Leo Gabriel

Professor of Business

Bio >

Charles Goldberg

Charles Goldberg

Associate Professor of History

Bio >

Brian Holland

Brian Holland

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Jeff Jacob

Jeff Jacob

Professor of Economics

Bio >

AnneMarie Kooistra

AnneMarie Kooistra

Professor of History

Bio >

Joyce LeMay

Joyce LeMay

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Christopher Moore

Christopher Moore

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Sam Mulberry

Sam Mulberry

Assistant Professor of History and Co-Director of the Academic Enrichment and Support Center

Bio >

Bruce Olsen

Bruce Olsen

Associate Professor of Business Emeritus

Bio >

Andrew Paine

Andrew Paine

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Shawn Sauve

Shawn Sauve

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Sara Shady

Sara Shady

Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

Lynn Uzzell

Lynn Uzzell

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Stephen Whiting

Stephen Whiting

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Drew Whitson

Drew Whitson

Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

Dan Yim

Dan Yim

Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Bruce Berglund

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

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Michael Bumann

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

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Diana Dutcher

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

Omar Fakhri

Omar Fakhri

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy

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Bart Fischer

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

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Andrew Greenlee

Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy

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Rushika Hage

Adjunct Instructor of History

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Tracy Harris

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Julie Hedlund

Julie Hedlund

Adjunct Associate Professor of Business

Bio >

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Paul Ives

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

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Logan Kix

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

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Daniel Meyer

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

Richard Olson

Richard Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

Amy Poppinga

Amy Poppinga

Adjunct Associate Professor of History

Bio >

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Lisa Sellner

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

Greg Bourland

Greg Bourland

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

Judy Jones

Judy Jones

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

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Todd Kline

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

Gregg Lindberg

Gregg Lindberg

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

Haley Wireman-Sobba

Haley Wireman-Sobba

Adjunct Instructor of Political Science

Bio >

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David Danforth

Associate Professor of Business Emeritus

Bio >

Nikki Daniels

Nikki Daniels

Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership Emerita

Bio >

Chuck Hannema

Chuck Hannema

Associate Professor of Business Emeritus

Bio >

James Hurd

James Hurd

Professor of Anthropology Emeritus

Bio >

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John Lawyer

Professor of Political Science Emeritus

Bio >

Samuel Zalanga

Samuel Zalanga

Professor of Sociology Emeritus

Bio >

98%

of students receive financial aid

90%

of first-year students rated their experience good to excellent

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

Learn more

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

Learn more

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

Start your application

Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements