The Political Science program offers students the tools, knowledge, and experiences needed to analyze how governments make laws to organize society, citizens interact with their governments, and nations interact on the international stage.
About the Political Science Area of Concentration
Political science studies people and the institutions that govern them across different political, social, and economic contexts. Central to the discipline is knowledge of the government and politics of nations and their subunits, analysis of political principles and ideas, international dynamics, political conflict, policymaking, elections, social movements, and political participation. The program pays special attention to the skills necessary to analyze the political world in a systematic and rigorous way, including a focus on research design, qualitative and quantitative research methodology, and original research.
Students have considerable flexibility in planning their studies across topics and geographic areas; some concentrate on the politics of the United States, while others develop an interest in areas such as Latin America, Europe, Asia, or Africa, and still others create their own specializations. Beyond courses and tutorials, many of our students complete internships or work in organizations or on campaigns to gain the experience needed not only to understand but also to participate in political processes. Each student’s program of study culminates in a senior project under the close guidance of a faculty member. Our program is particularly useful to students who wish to go on to government service, law, diplomacy, electoral campaigns, nonprofit advocacy, political journalism, and graduate school.
Featured Course
POLS 2100
Introduction to American Politics
This course serves as an introduction to the systematic and rigorous study of American politics. We develop an understanding of the forces that influence the behavior of individuals and institutions in and around national government. Topics include the Federalist papers, the Constitution, participation and voting behavior, elections and representation, political parties and interest groups, Congress, the Presidency, the judiciary, the bureaucracy, and the formation of public policy.
Recent courses
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Career Pathways
- Law
- Politics
- Public Policy
- Urban Planning
- Social Services
- Communications
- Community Coordinator
- Development Specialist
- Diplomacy
- Intelligence
- Nonprofit Administration
Pre-Law Program
In an effort to share valuable resources and create strong connections between students, the Pre-Law program is designed for students interested in pursuing a legal career.
Contact Us
Social Sciences Division
Phone Number
Email Address
Location
Social Science 102
Political Science Faculty
Dr. Frank Alcock
Professor of Political Science & Environmental Studies
Dr. Michael Gorup
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Barbara Hicks
Social Science Division Chair
Professor of Political Science
Dr. Eugene Lewis
Emeritus Professor of Political Science
Dr. Eugene Lewis
Emeritus Professor of Political Science