Academic Catalog 2022-2023 
    
    Nov 30, 2023  
Academic Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Politics Major


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The vision of the Colorado Christian University Politics major is to form graduates who will think as free Christians, live as responsible citizens of our Republic, and embark on a lifetime of statesmanship. To implement this vision, the Politics program educates Christian students in a broad understanding of the art and science of politics, based on a biblical foundation and worldview. It trains them to apply biblical knowledge, Christian virtues, and ethical principles to politics and also helps them to develop entry-level professional skills necessary for success in politics and related fields.

The study of Politics at Colorado Christian University deliberately combines philosophic breadth and theological insight with practical skills and engagement with the contemporary world. Students explore human nature and ethics alongside of political and economic power and history. They are led to grapple with the meaning and significance of the American Founding, the relation of virtue and liberty, the rule of law and human happiness, America’s role in the world, and the current political landscape.  Within the Politics major itself, students may choose an emphasis in Public Policy or American Politics, if so desired.

The Politics major at Colorado Christian University is designed to prepare students for a number of careers, including those of public service, criminal justice, journalism, public policy research, and political consulting. Students will also be prepared for graduate school or law school. The major doubles easily with other majors such as Business, Communications, Global Studies, History, or Psychology. 

Graduates of the Politics Major will be able to: 

1. Identify key figures and articulate important ideas of political philosophy, and deploy them to analyze American politics, institutions, policies, and international relations.

2. Articulate Constitutional principles and apply them to the institutions and challenges in current American politics, both at home and abroad.

3. Articulate a philosophy of statesmanship, and integrate politics with a biblical worldview. 

4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of comparative political systems, international relations, and foreign policy.

5. Employ critical thinking and analysis, and communicate and defend ideas persuasively and cogently, on the basis of evidence and sound research.

6. (American Politics Emphasis).  Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of American institutions, the constitutional order, and American political culture; and articulate and apply the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and the rights and duties of citizenship.

7. (Public Policy Emphasis). Demonstrate advanced understanding of the American public policy process, and perform effective public policy analysis and writing.

The Bachelor of Arts in Politics requires completion of the following 120 credits:
General Education Core (48 credit hours)
Politics Major Core (39 credit hours)
Electives (33 credit hours)

General Education Requirements (48 credit hours)


Arts and Humanities (9 credit hours)


Take one course from each of the following three academic disciplines:

Biblical Studies (12 credit hours)


Take the following four courses (some courses are cross-listed and only one prefix needs to be taken):

Integrative Studies (3 credit hours)


Please see the First-Year Integration (FYI)  page for specific information about this required course.

Mathematics (3 credit hours)


Social Sciences (12 credit hours)


Take each of the following four courses:

Politics Major Courses (39 credit hours)


Optional Politics Emphases


Elective requirements can be satisfied by completing one of the Politics Emphases listed below.

Public Policy Emphasis (12 credit hours)


Choose four of the following courses, for 12 credit hours:

Graduation Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Politics


The faculty recommends students in the B.A. in Politics to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements.

  1. Completion of a total of 120 credits, including all general education, electives and Politics major program requirements.
  2. A letter grade of D or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all CCU coursework, and a GPA of 2.0 or higher for all courses specified for the major.
  3. Completion of 180 hours of ministry/community service and 180 chapel credits. Transfer students are required to complete 45 hours of ministry/community service and 45 chapel credits each year of attendance at CCU. For further details on ministry/community service, see the Life Directions Center (LDC)  section of this catalog. For further details on chapel credits, see the Student Life  section of this catalog.
  4. Meet the CCU Residency requirements 
  5. Acceptable performance on exit exams, as required by the faculty.
  6. Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
  7. No outstanding financial obligation to the University.

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