Political Science focuses on:

• The study of government and political processes, institutions, and behavior.
• The history of political thought and the formulation of conceptual models to understand governmental processes.
• The examination of governmental structures, the interaction of various levels of government, and political groups within a country.
• A comparison of parallel political behavior in multiples places or time periods.
• The study of diplomacy, international law, political economy, and international organizations.
• An examination of different contexts and issues, such as:
• the Middle Ages and the relationship between the state, God, and individuals
• Karl Marx in light of societal economic structure
• The importance of solving practical political problems using empirical models.

According to the American Political Science Association, “Political science majors acquire skills in writing, communications, and analysis that are critical to a liberal arts education. A liberal arts education prepares students to think independently, with tolerance for others and concern for current affairs. Today, students can reasonably expect to change jobs and even to have more than one career. An undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences is excellent preparation for flexibility in employment.”

Political science majors qualify for many different careers in business, the law, state, local, and federal government, journalism, international organizations, finance, political campaigns, interest groups and associations, and pre-college and college teaching.

Political science training also provides valuable preparation for participating in community organizations, electoral politics, movements on behalf of specific policies, or even seeking elected or appointed positions in government.