About Political Science

Political Science provides students with an awareness and understanding of political principles and imparts in students the skills and knowledge to be responsible and active citizens in their communities at the local, state, national and international level.

Why Study Politics?

Are you interested in studying important issues facing your community? Do you want to better understand why politics (and the world) works the way it does? Do you want to choose a career in a field in which you can make a difference? If yes, political science is the major for you!

Political science is the study of governments, public policy and political behavior. Students of political science study topics such as: social justice issues of immigration, poverty, police reform and education; theories of ideal forms of government; the variety of political arrangements found around the world, from social welfare democracies to totalitarian states and everything in between; individual rights and responsibilities; global issues such as climate change, war and political development; and political activism and protest movements.

Students of Political Science learn how to understand, interpret and critically evaluate the issues and events, individual behavior and political ideals, and institutions and structures that shape our political world. Students develop the theoretical and analytical tools to critically analyze why politics works the way it does in different times and places.

Political Science students develop strong writing and communication skills, think independently and analytically, and consider diverse perspectives. These skills transfer well to many different career paths that students may pursue with a Political Science degree.