Special Programs and Opportunities

Our programs allow students to engage in different facets of political science outside the classroom.

Experiential learning: Internships

Every political science major completes three credits of experiential learning. In addition to the Washington Honors Semester, a number of local options are available in consultation with your academic advisor and help from the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career. These include, but are not limited to:

• State senators and representatives
• Professional law corporations
• Ottawa County
• State of Michigan
• Citizens Research Council of Michigan
• Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates

Student-Faculty Research

Collaborative research between students and faculty is an important part of your political science education and indicates our strong focus on establishing one-on-one relationships with our majors. Student-faculty collaborative research is available during each semester and the summer. Student research is celebrated at our annual Research Symposium held at the end of each fall semester.

Many students work on such projects as:

• Renze Hoeksema Research Fund – an annual collaborative project with a student and a faculty member for international projects
• Papers to be presented at the annual American Political Science Association conference and other events
• Research for professors writing a grant proposal or a book
• Tasks relating to the administration of the department

If you are interested in conducting research through the political science department, please consult with your advisor.

Departmental Awards

Each year, awards are presented to students who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, possess qualities of character and show promise of a useful career in public service. View political science awards.

Washington Honors Semester

Washington Honors Semester combines the intimacy of the Hope classroom with exhilaration of one of the most globally engaged cities in the world. Learn more about internships and life in Washington, D.C.

Pre-Law PROGRAM

Hope’s Pre-Law Program provides students with the substantive study of legal reasoning and jurisprudence. Students interested in studying law will listen to speakers and lawyers, talk with advisors and prepare for law school.

The Pre-Law Society is a student-led group that is very active in preparing students for careers in law. It is open to all students with an interest — casual or serious — in law or in pursuing a legal career.

Pi Sigma Alpha

Eta Kappa is Hope’s chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honors society.