The study of political science is primarily concerned with governmental structures and processes in world societies, including who governs, why, and how. Faculty specialties in the Department of Political Science include American political institutions; elections and political parties both in the United States and abroad; legislative politics in particular; international relations with an emphasis on international political economy; the development and decline of nation-states; the politics of gender; public policy and public organizations; research methods; and comparative politics with regional concentrations including Western Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. In its programs leading to the B.A., M.A., and Ph.D., the department works to relate the study of politics to its students’ needs and concerns. We try to reflect in our courses both the excitement and seriousness of real-world politics.

The study of political science can build a foundation for many types of future employment. Many political science majors are preparing for graduate study in public policy or in law school. Others intend to pursue careers in journalism or teaching, in government, or in business