Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Study what you love in a community where you belong.

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Start your journey

In Bethel’s Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science—lovingly called the HiPPos—you’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success.

At Bethel and in our department, everyone is here to help one another succeed. You’ll receive the support you need as you follow your passions and develop skills that span all our majors, including research, critical thinking, and writing. In each class, you’ll integrate your Christian faith into your coursework as you learn to better empathize with others and explore multiple perspectives and cultures. You’ll be equipped to pursue a career in a variety of fields—business, law, healthcare, nonprofits, government, and education.

Majors, minors, and programs

Experience Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Meaningful preparation

Program highlights

All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.

Learning opportunities


In our programs, you’ll find numerous opportunities to travel the world, get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience.

  • Study abroad
  • Internships
  • Student clubs
  • On-campus work—as a teaching assistant or in Bethel's History Center archives
  • Research with professors

Faith integration


You’ll study the core questions of history, philosophy, and political science from a Christian perspective with courses designed to help you on your faith journey.

Flexibility


You’ll find majors that make it easy for you to double major, study abroad, finish in three years, or add minors to broaden your career options.

Skills for almost any career


You’ll learn to think critically and creatively, analyze carefully, and write clearly—skills that transfer to any career. Like our graduates, you’ll be ready for success in law, business, education, nonprofit work, and graduate school.

Learn more at our blog


Want to know more about the Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science? Keep up with department announcements, alumni news, and interesting tidbits on our blog.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in history, philosophy, or political science will prepare you for a wide variety of careers—and for further education. Almost all of our recent graduates said that their studies helped them improve in skills employers value. And you’ll be prepared to follow other alumni who go on to study at top graduate schools.

Skills


You’ll learn:

  • Strong writing ability
  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Research
  • Clear communication

Careers


You’ll be prepared to work in fields like:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Politics, government, and law
  • Healthcare and ministry
  • Nonprofits

Graduate school


Our alumni go on to study:

  • Business management
  • Educational administration
  • Law
  • Library science
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Ministry and theology
  • Public administration and policy
  • Social work

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Esther on middle east trip

Esther Soria

Job: Federal prosecutor and assistant U.S. attorney

Degree: History and political science with a minor in philosophy

At Bethel, Esther found a supportive academic environment with safe spaces to explore profound questions with support from knowledgeable professors. She explored big issues on the forensics team, studied in the Middle East, and delved into texts with her favorite professors as a teaching assistant (TA). Her experiences helped Esther discover a passion for justice and collaboration along with a deeper understanding of the world that helped propel her into her career.

Read more

Upcoming events

NOV 19 2024

Primetime with Dr. AnneMarie Kooistra- Teaching: Vulnerability, Hospitality, and the Liberal Arts

1:20 p.m. University Library

Dr. AnneMarie Kooistra, the 2024-2025 Faculty Excellence for Teaching award winner will share her experience of her commitment to liberal arts with key characteristics that make the classroom a good place for learning. 

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

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. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions, and you’ll often find students gathered in the “HiPPos Suite.”

Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science


Location

Clausen Center (CC) 429

Contact

Andrew Bramsen

Chris Gehrz

Andrew Bramsen

Andrew Bramsen

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Chris Gehrz

Chris Gehrz

Professor of History

Bio >

Charles Goldberg

Charles Goldberg

Associate Professor of History

Bio >

AnneMarie Kooistra

AnneMarie Kooistra

Professor of History

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 >

Sara Shady

Sara Shady

Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

Lynn Uzzell

Lynn Uzzell

Associate Professor of Political Science

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 >

Omar Fakhri

Omar Fakhri

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Bart Fischer

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

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Andrew Greenlee

Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Rushika Hage

Adjunct Instructor of History

Bio >

Amy Poppinga

Amy Poppinga

Adjunct Associate Professor of History

Bio >

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Todd Kline

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

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 >

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.

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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.

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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

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

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