Introduction

The Government major prepares students to be outstanding public servants, whether in foreign policy, domestic policy, the academic sphere, or the intelligence community. 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.

Program

The Government major is comprised of the following credit allowances:

• 63 credits in the core curriculum plus intermediate foreign language proficiency; 
• 48 major course credits;
• 12 open elective credit hours;
• 123 total credit hours.

Unless they choose to specialize in a track, students pursuing a Government major will take courses from the three following disciplines: American Politics & Policy, International Politics & Policy, and Political Theory.

• Government (no track)

Government students may also choose one of the following four tracks:

• American Politics & Policy
• International Politics & Policy
• Political Theory
• Strategic Intelligence

Every student majoring in Government must 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 (or Intelligence Research Analysis for students in the Strategic Intelligence track).

Apprenticeship Experience and Methodology

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 (24 credit hours).

• Faith & Reason Integration Essay (required)
• Practicum in American Politics & Policy
• Practicum in International Politics & Policy
• Topics in Politics & Policy
• Moot Court
• Forensics Activities
• Mock Trial
• Applied Research in Political Theory
• Senior Thesis and Preparation
• Independent Readings/Directed Research
• Special Projects in Strategic Intelligence

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.