Political science is a social science concerned with describing and analyzing political institutions and processes. Political scientists study the origins of and preconditions for government, the rise and fall of governments, and the relations among nations of the world.
Political scientists are interested in how governments are structured, how they make decisions, and how they manage social conflicts. Political scientists also study the behavior of individuals within political systems, both as individuals and as part of groups and organizations.
Finally, political science encompasses normative inquiry into such larger questions as the best form of political order, the optimum relationship between the individual and government and the nature of the public good.
Degrees Offered
Majors
Political Science Major: General Concentration
Political Science Major: International Relations/Comparative Politics Concentration
Political Science Major: Public Administration Concentration
Minors
Political Science Minor
Public Administration Minor
Interdisciplinary
Environmental Studies
Social Studies Major
Social Studies Major (Secondary Emphasis)
Interdepartmental
Public Affairs Minor
Special Programs and Studies
Pre-Law
Political Scientist study:
- political parties and voting behavior
- interest groups
- bureaucratic organizations and administrative procedures
- national security and international organizations
- presidential and gubernatorial politics
- legislative behavior
- courts and the administration of justice
- intergovernmental relations
- political socialization
- mass movements
- revolution
- ideologies
- political philosophy
- community organization and urban politics
- public policies
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