Political Science is the study of people's behavior as it relates to power and public organizations. This discipline is normally divided into six subfields:
Political Theory
The study of Political Theory encompasses both the history of political thought and normative approaches to questions of politics broadly construed, including power, liberty, economic class, freedom, democracy, race and ethnic identity, gender and sexuality, and governance. Students develop skills in critical thinking and oral and written expression by tracing systems of power and their effects on groups and individuals. Coursework in this subfield prepares graduates for law school and careers in the public sector.
American Politics
The study of American Politics examines how individuals interact with political institutions within a complex federal system, where authority and behavior vary across different levels of government. Students develop analytical and communication skills to navigate and work within or alongside the government. Coursework in this subfield prepares graduates for careers in public service, campaigns, law, journalism, and related fields.
Public Policy & Administration
The study of Public Policy & Administration examines how public employees shape policy, allocate resources, and respond to community needs. Students develop skills in budgeting, human resources, organizational leadership, and policy analysis to address real-world public problems. Coursework in this subfield prepares graduates to lead and manage in government and nonprofit organizations, and careers in the public sector.
Public Law
The study of Public Law examines how law relates to power and how individuals and governments use it to regulate and challenge social problems. Students develop critical thinking alongside knowledge of American Constitutional Law, protected rights and liberties, and the skills to form and defend arguments in oral and written form. Coursework in this subfield prepares graduates for careers in law, government, policymaking, and careers that intersect with the public sector.
Comparative Government
The study of Comparative Politics examines political systems beyond the United States, focusing on institutions and political behavior across diverse contexts. Students apply the comparative method and draw on varied forms of evidence to analyze topics such as political regimes, bureaucracies, political identities, collective action, parties, elections, and political economy, developing skills in critical analysis, comparative reasoning, and data interpretation. Coursework in this subfield prepares graduates for careers in government, policymaking, international affairs, law, and research.
International Politics
The study of International Relations examines how states and non-state actors shape the global order, including the causes of stability and instability in world politics, international and national security challenges, and the logic behind foreign policy choices. Students develop knowledge of diplomatic history, IR theory, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. Coursework in this subfield prepares graduates for careers in the Foreign Service, national security agencies, legislative offices, policy and geopolitical risk analysis, and strategic communications.
