A place in which faithfulness can be lived out.
Program Review
Mission Statement
The Political Science Department's mission is to develop critically trained, politically knowledgeable, globally minded, and civically engaged citizens. Our students will...
- apply disciplinary knowledge in the service of others. (Active social engagement).
- communicate ideas clearly in their written work. (Competence in written communication).
- use valid and established social science methodology in their research. (Critically trained).
Program Learning Outcomes
The links below lead to information about the department's most recent assessment of student learning relative to our program learning outcomes.
As a result of what they have learned in their political science program, graduates will be able to do the following:
- Active Social Engagement. Students will apply disciplinary knowledge in the service of others.
- Competence in written communication. Students will communicate ideas clearly in their written work.
- Critically trained. Students will use valid and established social science methodology in their research.
Alumni Stories
Tyler Castle ’12, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and—most importantly—a Spring Sing title while at Westmont. A former John Jay Institute fellow and intern for Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), he began as a values and capitalism intern at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a public policy research organization in Washington, D.C., and was later promoted to director of academic programs at AEI.
David Dry ’14, a political science graduate, has built a career at the intersection of politics and public policy. After serving as a legislative assistant and campaign staffer on Capitol Hill, he earned a master’s degree in public policy from Pepperdine University. He now helps clients navigate legislation at the local, state, and federal levels.
Olivia Reichwald ’21, named Outstanding Graduate in Political Science at Westmont, is now pursuing her Juris Doctor at Harvard Law School.
Career Opportunities
Business and finance Law Management consulting Teaching Public relations Government administration | Foreign service Social services Military and police services Journalism Christian ministry |
See Career Paths for Graduates Who Studied Political Science at Westmont
Faculty and Staff
Global Studies
- Westmont’s Europe Semester
- Westmont in Northern Europe
- Westmont’s England Semester
- Westmont in Asia
- Westmont in Cairo
- Westmont in San Francisco
- Westmont Downtown
- Washington D.C. Semester
Sample Schedule
Lower-Division Courses
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Upper-Division Courses
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Lower-Division Courses
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Upper-Division Courses
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Lower-Division Courses
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Upper-Division Courses
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Lower-Division Courses
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Upper-Division Courses
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Westmont at the NMUN in New York City 2024
Westmont’s Thailand delegation received an Honorable Mention, an impressive accomplishment, especially as several students served independently on their committees. Three students also earned Position Paper Awards: Emma Silver, Emily Lindblad, and Ella Oostema.
Throughout a challenging week, the team demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and strong character, representing Westmont with excellence. While in New York, students visited the 9/11 Memorial, Rockefeller Center, and the United Nations, and were even nearby during a high-profile event at Radio City Music Hall attended by Presidents Biden, Obama, and Clinton.