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POLITICAL SCIENCE

Political Science majors at BHSU master critical analysis, research, and writing skills. These skills are always in demand by employers, which allows the individual equipped with a degree in Political Science to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities in the private and public sector. A Political Science degree at BHSU offers:

  • A CHALLENGING academic environment that helps inspire students to excel.
  • INTERNSHIP opportunities with state and federal representatives.
  • SMALL CLASSES and direct contact with professors.
  • RECENT JOB PLACEMENTS AND GRADUATE SCHOOL PLACEMENT include:
    • Community Development Specialist-Planner, Black Hills Council of Local Governments
    • Public Policy Fellow, AFLAC
    • Master of Public Policy (MPP), Northeastern University
    • President, South Dakota Chapter, National Organization for Women
    • Legislative Aide, Ohio House of Representatives
    • Consultant, United Today, Stronger Tomorrow

*Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.

Justin

JUSTIN LOGUE, CLASS OF 2019
During his time with BHSU, Justin Logue also traveled internationally and studied abroad in Lithuania.

Logue says, “As a political science student, I was able to work alongside three other political science students to develop and implement a restorative justice based diversion program for students on campus, now known as the Thompson Diversion Program. When developing this program, the professors of the political science program served as great resources. Dr. Carriveau, specifically, was imperative to the program being implemented. She was the constant voice of reason and justice in these discussions. This program was developed by students for students, but it would not have been possible without the help of faculty and staff.”

FIND YOUR CAREER

There are employment opportunities in a variety of sectors:
» Business
» Education
» Government
     » Federal
     » Local
     » State
» Individual Political Campaigns
» Law
» Marketing
» News Media
» Nonprofits

Cody Drolc Head shot

CODY DROLC

Class of 2015

Cody Drolc completed his PhD at the University of Missouri and is now a professor of Public Administration and Policy at the University of South Carolina. According to Drolc, “The generous mentorship provided by the BHSU political science faculty is unmatched and helped me successfully navigate the daunting process of applying to a PhD program. Inside and outside the classroom, professors took the time to help develop my analytical skills, explore research topics of personal interest, and encourage independent inquiry. I am grateful for the foundation laid at BHSU for helping me pursue my passion for politics and succeed in graduate school.”

A FEW WORDS FROM ALUMNI

KEELY KLEVEN, CLASS OF 2018

Keely Kleven completed her J.D. (law degree) at Law School at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is now a practicing attorney in Rapid City. Keely Kleven traveled the world through opportunities with BHSU. Kleven says, “There are many reasons I am grateful for the BHSU Political Science program, but the most important is how well it prepared me to be successful in law school. The professors are willing to go above and beyond to see you succeed and to give you real world experience. Through BHSU, I was able to intern in Washington D.C. for a Congressman—an experience that is one of many. The program emphasizes critical thinking and clear, concise communication, both of which are pertinent to success in law school and in the work place.”

Contact Info

Dr. John Van Benthuysen
Associate Professor, Political Science
John.VanBenthuysen

Black Hills State University
1200 University St.
Spearfish, SD, USA 57799