Political Science is the study of government, including the empirical study of American and foreign political regimes; theoretical approaches that attempt to explain political action in its various forms, both within nations and among them; and the study of philosophic texts that address the questions of the nature of justice, the best way of life, and the best political order.

Students majoring in political science are required to take the department's introductory course in each of the four subfields. We strongly encourage students to complete all four introductory courses by the end of the sophomore year. In addition to these introductory courses, political science majors must take at least six upper-division courses for a minimum total of 10 courses and a maximum of 14 to complete the major. Of the six upper-division courses, at least one must be in American government, one in political philosophy, and one in either international relations or comparative politics. For outstanding students, there is the possibility of undertaking a two-semester honors thesis in the senior year. Majors are also strongly encouraged to take courses in related fields like history, economics, and sociology. Proficiency in a modern foreign language is highly recommended as well.

The study of political science is valuable for non-majors as well as for majors. Today, just as in the ancient republics, every citizen has a duty to learn about the workings of his/her country's political system and of other political regimes as well as that of the international system so as to make informed judgments regarding issues of domestic and foreign policy. The citizen needs in addition a developed capacity to understand and evaluate the principles underlying the various political regimes, ways of life, and policy choices.

Beyond helping to promote intelligent and active citizenship, a political science major provides good training for careers in teaching, law, politics, government service, business, journalism, the armed forces, and international organizations. Finally, apart from a student's ultimate career plans, the study of political science helps to develop powers of reasoning, critical and analytical skills, and competence in oral and written expression.

Membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national student honor society in political science, is open to students with distinguished academic records.

The final authority on degree and major requirements is the College Catalog.