Department of Political Science and Public Policy

School: School of Arts and Sciences

The Department of Political Science and Public Policy aims to provide students with a rich, rigorous, and wide-ranging educational experience. As home to eight academic programs, including the Political Science major and the International Studies major, as well as minors in Pre-Law, Cyber Security, Public Policy, International Studies, and Political Science, our goal is to create an intellectual environment in which students can acquire knowledge of the disciplines, develop their academic skills, think critically about the world around them, and prepare to become thoughtful and productive members of society.

Political Science majors will be able to examine a political situation or phenomenon, understand it in an informed way, analyze it from multiple perspectives, appreciate its complexity, and connect it to theoretical paradigms, practical experiences, and policy considerations. The political science curriculum is therefore designed to cumulatively integrate the following learning objectives: acquiring knowledge and skills, developing an appreciation for intellectual inquiry, and promoting active learning.

The International Studies Program provides students with a rigorous interdisciplinary education that strongly positions its graduates for work in many fields while shaping them as global engaged citizens. The program provides students with an understanding of the political, historical, economic, and social forces that shape and influence the modern world, and the flexibility to focus their degree with courses in an area of concentration. This program prepares students for postgraduate study and careers in international business, law, media, education, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and a variety of other fields. Experiential learning and foreign language studies are encouraged in order to develop the skills and cross-cultural competence to engage effectively in the global community.

Undergraduate degree programs offered by the Department:

Major(s)

Political Science, B.A.

International Studies, B.A.

Minor(s)

Pre-Law

Cyber Security

International Studies

Political Science

Public Policy