Undergraduate Programs

Why Study Political Science?

Politics is the making of collective decisions. It is an inescapable part of our lives; like our health, politics can be good or bad but is never absent. It operates across all aspects of your life—from international affairs to federal, state, and local government, from business to universities and all sorts of other arenas.


Major in Political Science

The major or minor in political science teaches you how collective decisions are made—and how you can have a role in them—across all the arenas of your life. Our program prioritizes a concrete skill set of critical thinking, analytic and writing abilities, and sharp communication.

This skill set and knowledge base leads graduates into a huge range of careers in government, law, political activism, international affairs, business, journalism, social-studies teaching, or organizational management.


honors student Andrew Lubash at graduation

Honors in Political Science

Graduating with honors tells future employers and educators that you have undertaken a major research project with minimal guidance from faculty and followed it through to the end. If you are thinking of going on to professional or graduate school, being able to tell prospective institutions that you are writing or have written a thesis will strengthen your application by providing evidence of your preparation for the next educational level.

Political Science Honors


UO student Alex Aghdaei

Learning from Faculty Mentors

“Learning from the professors and GEs within the political science department has been incredibly rewarding, facilitated by the program’s exceptional leaders in their respective fields. Their genuine mentorship, insightful research, and passion to provide opportunities for students have shaped my academic journey here. I am honored to be part of such an intellectually curious community which empowers students to be future leaders in political science.”

—Alex Aghdaei, political science major, '26


students working at call center

Real-World Experience

The Department of Political Science supports your career goals by offering credit for internships related to political science that help you explore and prepare for the job market.

Hands-on Learning


two students smiling at each other outdoors on campus

What you can do with a Political Science degree

A Political Science major can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and hear from alumni.

Explore Careers


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with a faculty or peer advisor, find important department forms and get answers.

Departmental Advising and Support


Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding through the Department of Political Science.

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Events

Screening of the film "BELLA"
Apr27
Screening of the film "BELLA" Apr 27 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series - On the nature of chemical reactivity in atmospheric aerosol
Apr28
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series - On the nature of chemical reactivity in atmospheric aerosol Apr 28 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr29
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 29 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Drowning the Sacred Sea:  Lake Baikal and the Hydroelectric Moment in World History" 
Apr29
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Drowning the Sacred Sea:  Lake Baikal and the Hydroelectric Moment in World History"  Apr 29 McKenzie Hall
Roots and Rhythms: A Conversation on Afrodescendencia, Indigenous Heritage, and Community Empowerment in Mexico and Puerto Rico
Apr29
Roots and Rhythms: A Conversation on Afrodescendencia, Indigenous Heritage, and Community Empowerment in Mexico and Puerto Rico Apr 29 Lawrence Hall
Virtual Event: Preserving Latinx Stories with NPR's VP of Research, Archives, and Strategy
Apr30
Virtual Event: Preserving Latinx Stories with NPR's VP of Research, Archives, and Strategy Apr 30
Careers Beyond the Postdoc - Academic Teaching Panel
Apr30
Careers Beyond the Postdoc - Academic Teaching Panel Apr 30
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then”
Apr30
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then” Apr 30 McKenzie Hall
Gender, Race and Empire Symposium
May1
Gender, Race and Empire Symposium May 1 Knight Library
Conversation on Democracy's Future, featuring Larry Diamond and Francis Fukuyama
May1
Conversation on Democracy's Future, featuring Larry Diamond and Francis Fukuyama May 1 Ford Alumni Center