Bachelor of Arts in Politics
Program Overview & Goals
The Politics major at Hendrix College equips students to examine political institutions, ideas, systems, and behaviors in local, national, and global contexts. Through the study of political theory, public policy, comparative politics, and international relations, students analyze power, governance, justice, and civic engagement. Students develop critical thinking, and research and communication skills so that they are ready to be informed citizens who engage thoughtfully with political and social issues.
Via Hendrix
Whether your goals include completing a doctoral degree, working in international affairs, or running for office, you can get there Via Hendrix.
Via Hendrix connects your academic experience to the life and career you want to build.
From your first year through graduation, you will engage in hands-on learning, personalized guidance, and professional experiences that help turn ambition into action. At Hendrix, career readiness is woven into the fabric of the liberal arts experience, empowering you to grow intellectually, professionally, and personally from day one.
Careers & Outcomes
The Hendrix Politics Department’s strong advising and connection to engaged learning allows for continuous opportunity for professional development and discernment, helping students to proactively manage their career, civic, and personal goals.
Salary Projections
The median salary for an attorney is $151,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top Industries
- Law
- Political Service and Government
- Public Administration
- Public Relations
- Global Studies
Career Options
The Politics major provides students with important professional skills. Hendrix Politics alumni work in a variety of careers, including:
- Policy Analyst
- Attorney
- Communications Manager
- Chief of Staff
Co-op Opportunities
Experience separates good job candidates from great ones. At Hendrix, Politics students gain hands-on experience through internships, civic engagement, and applied learning opportunities in government, policy, and advocacy settings. Through this required component of the major, students have worked at places including:
- State and Local Government Agencies
- Political Campaigns and Consulting Firms
- Public Policy Think Tanks
- Non-profit Advocacy Organizations
Roadmap to the Bachelor of Arts in Politics
Every Politics major takes foundational courses in American government, political theory, and international relations. Through experiential learning opportunities, students also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills while examining the social, economic, and political forces that shape public policy and global affairs.
Year One
Our First-Year Experience gives you the freedom to discover what you care about most and find a path to get there. Your coursework this year allows you to master the foundations of political systems, public policy, and political thought. You also begin to learn how to analyze institutions, evaluate public issues, and communicate persuasive, evidence-based arguments.
Year Two
In your second year, you will have a stronger vision of what your academic experience and career planning look like. Your integrated advising team of faculty, career counselors, and mentors will ensure that the things you study align with your future goals while still providing room to explore.
Year Three
Your third year includes a required full-time co-op. For one semester, you earn credit while applying knowledge from your coursework in a professional setting.
Year Four
Your last year is not the finish line. It is where everything starts. Conduct original research on the issues that matter most to you and graduate ready to lead in public service, law, policy, or beyond.
Meet the Faculty
Every Department of Politics faculty member brings deep expertise in government, political theory, public policy, and international relations, grounded in rigorous scholarship and active engagement with current political dynamics. Just as importantly, they are dedicated to you. They work closely with you as teachers, mentors, and advisors, supporting your academic growth and preparing you every step of the way for careers in public service, law, policy, and graduate study.
Daniel J. Edquist-Whelan
Professor of Politics
Delphia Shanks
Associate Professor of Politics
Chair, Department of Politics
Director, Arkansas Center for Civic Leadership
Kim Maslin
Professor of Politics
Related Programs
Via Hendrix, you can explore how governments operate, how policies are made and implemented, or even design a personalized academic path that connects political science with your interests in law, public service, and global affairs.
Your Next Steps Via Hendrix
Every field is shaped by political systems and public decision-making. Learn how much insight and real-world value a Politics major Via Hendrix College can deliver for you while preparing you to analyze policy, understand governance, and engage thoughtfully with civic and global issues.