Politics and government have a huge influence on people’s lives both at home and at work. They are also immensely complicated, and most people find them confusing and even intimidating. Political science majors develop a deep and sophisticated understanding of political phenomena and governmental dynamics in the U.S. and around the world.

Learn

Students will learn about our reasons for having governments, what is at stake in how they are structured and operate, and the individuals and groups who influence and are influenced by them. They will also learn to critically examine normative and empirical claims about the political world and to bring evidence to bear in choosing sides.

Opportunities

Political science students have ample opportunities to conduct original research along with, or under the supervision of, faculty, and it is not unusual for twenty or more to present papers at the Undergraduate Symposium. There are numerous opportunities for internships, through the department’s connections with local governments and nonprofit organizations. The department sponsors three highly successful academic teams: Mock Trial, Model UN, and Moot Court. Because political science is a challenging and rigorous major with widespread applications, graduates are attractive to employers in almost all fields, as well as to law schools and graduate schools.