department-of-political-science

Political Science

Chairperson: Lowell Barrington, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science website

Studying politics offers a way to understand and engage in some of the most critical issues of our times. Our country’s political processes are deeply divided, and our institutions suffer partisanship and gridlock. Hyperbole often substitutes for reasonable discussion. Our economy continues to struggle to respond to the challenges of globalization and to distribute economic gains across American society. We continue to face threats ranging from global environmental problems to terrorism.

The Political Science department offers courses that engage these and other timely issues. Students can choose from courses in American politics, comparative politics, international politics and political philosophy. We offer hands-on experience in local internships and a semester program in Washington D.C., at the Les Aspin Center. And our extensive alumni network can help graduating students start careers in fields as diverse as law; federal, state, and local government; electoral politics; intelligence; business; and international and domestic community service.

The department offers a major in Political Science, a minor in Political Science, a minor in Public Policy, and an accelerated (B.A./M.A.) degree in Political Science. Students might also or consider an interdisciplinary major, minor or accelerated five-year B.A./M.A. degree in International Affairs.