The political science department strives to embody Whitworth's education of mind and heart through excellent teaching, open and robust debate, active scholarship, and personal mentoring. Our goal is to prepare students for careers in government and politics, law, humanitarian work, teaching, research and peacemaking, and for work in related fields such as business or missions.

The department is committed to providing students with the political knowledge and skills to assume responsibility in both the local and the global community. Through the study of political theory and law, the analysis of a variety of political systems, internships and off-campus study, and rigorous research projects, faculty members challenge students to develop both the tools and the vision for understanding, nurturing, and transforming the society in which they live. All of our courses are informed by a commitment to justice and reconciliation as articulated by the great political thinkers throughout history, and especially as defined by the principles of the Christian faith.