The department’s curriculum, which spans the subfields of American politics, international politics, political philosophy, and comparative politics, provides students the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate the political world, so they might shape it in positive ways.
Politics is the means by which citizens seek to control power and resources for the purpose of governing a community. At its best, politics is pursued to define and address common problems and challenges.
Political science, then, is the study of the theory and practice of politics at the local, state, national, and international levels. The discipline concerns itself with the analysis of political activity and behavior, with a focus on relationships among individuals, institutions of government, and nongovernmental entities. Political science is composed of four main subfields (political philosophy, American politics, comparative politics, international relations).
The pre-law minor launched in Fall 2024, appealing to students majoring in political science, business, communication studies, and other areas of study. This program offers an interdisciplinary approach to law, legal institutions, and graduate school preparation.