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.

Our Minors:
 

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

Psychology Department Colloquium: "Neuroscience and Psychology in Context"
Sep29
Psychology Department Colloquium: "Neuroscience and Psychology in Context" Sep 29 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Phantom Tollbooth Auditions
Sep30
Phantom Tollbooth Auditions Sep 30 Miller Theatre Complex
Linguistics Fall Colloquium
Oct3
Linguistics Fall Colloquium Oct 3 Straub Hall
Pre-Medicine Group Advising
Oct3
Pre-Medicine Group Advising Oct 3 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Poetry Reading by Matthew Dickman 
Oct4
Poetry Reading by Matthew Dickman  Oct 4 Knight Library
Pre-Medicine Group Advising
Oct5
Pre-Medicine Group Advising Oct 5 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Department of History Welcome Back Barbecue
Oct5
Department of History Welcome Back Barbecue Oct 5 McKenzie Hall
Fall 2023 Knight Campus Entrepreneurship Speaker Series with Jorge Cham
Oct9
Fall 2023 Knight Campus Entrepreneurship Speaker Series with Jorge Cham Oct 9 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Linguistics Fall Colloquium
Oct10
Linguistics Fall Colloquium Oct 10 Straub Hall
Race, Disinvestment, and the Making of the North Philadelphia “Badlands"
Oct10
Race, Disinvestment, and the Making of the North Philadelphia “Badlands" Oct 10