With political science and history claiming the majority and philosophy still in the running, Danika Burkett is preparing for law school without giving up the subjects she simply loves.
Growing up, Concordia University Wisconsin senior Danika Burkett and her dad talked politics. A lot. So, it isn’t surprising that she chose to study political science. What is surprising is that she found time for all three.
By the time she arrived at Concordia, Burkett was already envisioning law school. Political science was a natural fit, while philosophy offered a chance to consider other viewpoints and make stronger arguments. History? Well, she wasn’t giving that up either. “I just really like it,” she said with a smile.
The more history courses she took, the more she wanted to keep going. Burkett wondered whether she could squeeze a second major into an already busy schedule.
Turns out, she could.
“I really enjoyed the classes and the professors,” Burkett said. “I thought, ‘If I can already do some of it, why not do more?’”
What each subject brings
Political science, history and philosophy may sound like natural companions, but Burkett finds something different in each. In political science, she looks at power and why people seek it. History asks her to consider the motivations of different groups of people and how their actions affect one another. Philosophy takes her outside of both to consider ideas from a broader point of view.
“Philosophy does a good job of broadening your horizons,” Burkett said. “Even if you don’t agree with certain philosophers, they might have valid points that can help bolster your own arguments.”
Not bad preparation for a future lawyer.
This summer, Burkett interned in Washington, D.C., for Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley on the Senate Judiciary Committee. She wrote memos, spoke with witnesses, helped write letters and spent time in the hearing room, where she observed Senate votes, meetings and hearings.
“I got to see the Capitol and watch things I’d studied in both my history and political science classes come to life in D.C.,” she said.
Back at Concordia, her professors have seen those interests develop in the classroom, too. Jeff Walz, PhD, professor of political science, first met Burkett in a Christian Citizen course. Since then, he has watched her become more involved on campus, take on leadership roles in Student Government Association and grow as a thinker.
“In the classroom, I have been struck by Danika’s attentiveness to class ideas, her classmates’ thoughts and why the issues matter,” Walz said. “She works ahead on assignments and explores each class with great depth.”
Walz believes those qualities, coupled with her willingness to study across disciplines, will serve her well in law. “Danika has a very keen mind that is so attuned to details and specifics while seeing the big picture,” Walz said. “She has an incredible work ethic, is thoughtful and will bring a Christian scholar’s perspective to the law profession.”
More than a future career
Burkett admits that fitting two majors and a minor into four years hasn’t necessarily been easy. She has carried a course overload for the past couple of years while also staying active on campus. She has served in Student Government Association since her freshman year, including as vice president and Rules Committee chair. Burkett also finds time for Campus Ministry and Quaestus.
How does she do it? Burkett credits her professors with helping her make it all work.
“The professors here are very collaborative, have hallway conversations on a regular basis, and work hard to see that students can fulfill their academic interests, including across multiple disciplines,” Walz said.
That freedom mattered to Burkett. Had she attended somewhere else, she isn’t sure she would have pursued the same path. She suspects she might have felt pressure to choose.
“Could I have chosen? Yes,” she said. “But it was great to have the opportunity not to say, ‘I prefer this,’ or, ‘This would be better for my career.’”
Called to serve others
Burkett’s time at Concordia has also helped her think about law through the lens of vocation. “How can I be a good citizen? How can I help people? How can I serve people?” Burkett said.
Those questions are closely tied to her faith. She grew up Lutheran and wanted a college where she could continue growing in that faith. At CUW, she has served through Campus Ministry, including as a leader and coordinator for LIGHT women’s ministry and now as coordinator of Campus Fellowship.
“Everything I do, I hope I’m doing because that’s my calling from God,” she said. “I want to serve Him, and I want to serve my neighbors by serving Him.”
Graduating in May 2027, Burkett hopes to attend law school in St. Louis, where her fiancé, whom she met at Concordia, plans to attend seminary. As for students still figuring out their own academic paths, she has a bit of advice:
“I think people get so focused on what they hope to do when they leave Concordia that they forget to study the things they enjoy while they’re still here,” Burkett said. “Yes, you’re doing it for a future career, but there’s more to the experience than just that.”
“The School of &” blog series highlights the distinctive identity of Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Arts & Sciences, where interdisciplinary connections shape learning and purpose. Each month, the series features students and alumni who have paired majors, minors and certificates in thoughtful and creative ways.
Their stories show how connecting areas of study can help students develop their gifts, discover their calling and prepare to serve the Church and the world.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.