Develop the knowledge, skills, and principles you need to address modern political challenges. Turn knowledge into action through our politics program.
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts
Major, Minor
124
4 Years
Salem
Beth Hladick BA '16 has taken the knowledge she gained at Willamette and is using it to advocate for election reform.
In her role as Director of Research and Outreach at the philanthropic venture fund Unite America, Beth advocates for cross-partisan election reform. Willamette's proximity to the Oregon State Capitol helped inspire her interest in politics and prepared her for her career building a more equitable election system.
Curious where this major can take you? These are the real internships, graduate opportunities, and careers our Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics students have gone on to.
From fighting financial crimes to becoming CEOs, our alumni are making an impact. They've worked at major companies, explored graduate-level studies, and made positive changes in their communities. Learn more about how our alumni are making a name for themselves.
Akilah Deernose ’04 breaks down barriers as Executive Director of the Montana ACLU
After overcoming personal hardships, Akilah Deernose ’04 attended Willamette on a fee waiver and focused her studies on advocacy. Later, she earned a law degree and become the Executive Director of the ACLU of Montana. She continues her mission to fight for civil rights and uplift untold community stories.
Finding a reward in managing risk
With a background in politics and law, Janelle Bovell ’08 climbed the corporate ladder through various roles. Ultimately, she became director of financial crimes compliance at PayPal. She remains driven by curiosity, challenge, and a civic spirit that was fostered at Willamette University.
From publishing books to giving Ted Talks, our professors are experts in the field. They are dedicated and know how to provide support to students. Between research opportunities, mentorship, and small class sizes, students develop strong connections to faculty in the political science program.
Melissa Buis' research and teaching revolve around American social policy. With an innovative approach to educating students on welfare, healthcare policy, and the criminal justice system, she provides lasting educational experiences.
Richard Ellis is an accomplished educator and author who specializes in American politics. He teaches various courses covering complex topics such as the presidency, American exceptionalism, and the initiative and referendum process.
Jennifer Martinez-Medina researches migration and transnational mobilization, exploring how families exercise rights, share knowledge, and use remittances as advocacy tools across borders. Her work examines racial inequality, labor systems, and community care.
Explore the political world through Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics. Our program aims to foster informed and active involvement in the political process. Just steps away from the State Capitol, students have a unique opportunity to see this process up close. Learn about the governments of Native American Tribes and Oregon’s role in forestry.
Delve into how law intersects with social philosophy and public policy. Analyze both formal legal structures and the informal influences of politics and discretion. This course also explores the impact of legal education on societal values and social responsibility.
Explore the U.S. penal system and its profound societal impacts through collaborative classes held at the Oregon State Penitentiary, where students and prisoners develop reform ideas. This hands-on experience culminates in a research project aimed at real-world policy change.
Our Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics major requires 44 semester hours to complete, of which no more than 40 can have the PPLE prefix. These semester hours are comprised of core classes, public policy courses, a public law course, courses in American Politics and/or Ethics, an Internship/Experiential Credit and an additional elective. In total, 124 credit hours are required to complete the degree.
Students pursuing a Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics minor will need to complete 24 semester hours in select Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics classes.
Our Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.
Willamette University is committed to supporting Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics majors with generous merit scholarships and financial aid. There is no separate application required for these scholarships. All admitted undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, starting at $28,000 per year. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, taking into account cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT scores, if provided.
Willamette University