Political Science

Courses in the department are designed to give the student, whether major or nonmajor, a basic understanding of forces that shape government policy in both the national and international arenas. These include power relationships, political values and ideologies, the “rules of the game” that shape government institutions, and the strategies of citizens and other social actors.

Political science provides the background desired for careers in government service, education, journalism, law, or international agencies; and for staff work with research agencies, political parties, interest groups, business enterprises, trade associations, and labor organizations. Political science is also a liberal art and an appropriate major for students whose career interests are indefinite.