Each government track gives students a strong emphasis in classical learning and their core government classes, and hands-on training in their field of interest. Students also develop a Biblical understanding of their field and how to work in it.
What are Tracks?
Within the Government major, students have a measure of flexibility to craft their course work to their specific academic interests. Most broadly, the general Government major allows students to choose 12 credits in a variety of Government disciplines. Many students choose a specific discipline within Government in which to specialize. These specializations are called tracks.
Each track has specific upper-division courses tailored to provide the student with a sound understanding and appreciation of government, politics and policy, theory, or strategic intelligence. Combining this with the apprenticeship opportunities, students are well prepared to enter public service, non-profit organizations, think tanks, or graduate and professional schools.
Check out the different track options below!
Unless they choose to specialize in a track, students pursuing a Government major are able to take courses from all of the five following disciplines: American Politics & Policy, Economics, International Politics & Policy, Political Theory, and Political Philosophy. Click here to see a list of courses and Recommended Course Sequence for the Government Major with NO track.
Regardless of track, every student majoring in Government has the opportunity to take 12 credits of primary content courses that provide an overview of the field of Government and introduce the student to key subfields: American Political Institutions, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Science Research Methods.
A key distinctive of Patrick Henry College is its focus on apprenticeship training. Government students are required to choose several apprenticeship opportunities comprising half of their major program (23 credit hours).
Each type of apprenticeship experience is unique. While apprenticeships are largely initiated by the students, PHC Government faculty are engaged in the learning process and provide oversight and direction to the apprenticeship experience. Government majors, especially policy and SI students, have a unique opportunity to participate in their chosen fields within the greater Washington D.C. community, including the White House, Capitol Hill, government agencies, think tanks, non-profit and faith-based organizations, and a variety of county and local government agencies and organizations.
The Government major is comprised of the following credit allowances:
63 credits plus intermediate foreign language proficiency in the core curriculum;
47 major course credits;
12 open elective credit hours;
123 total credit hours.
During her senior year at Patrick Henry College, Meridian Paulton starting interning for The Heritage Foundation. Before she graduated she started working as a full-time staffer. Watch her story about how she earned her position. Click here to read more alumni stories.
