Understanding the dynamics of politics, and how to make them serve you, is a critical element of understanding and shaping your own life. Studying 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. Within our close-knit community of scholars, you'll develop the critical thinking, analytic, writing, and sharp communication skills needed to examine the forces that shape our world.
Read about the Indigenous history of our local land.
What You Can Do with a Degree in Political Science
A political science degree prepares students for a huge range of careers in government, law, political activism, international affairs, business, journalism, or organizational management. Our graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in:
- Law
- Government affairs
- Civic engagement
- Campaign management
- Strategic communications
- Civil service
- Global business development
- Human rights activism
- Nonprofit management
- Policy research and advising
How a Political Science Alum Found Her Passion
Meet Sarah Koski, who graduated with a degree in political science in 2006 from the University of Oregon’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Robert D. Clark Honors College. Koski works for Lane Transit District as a homelessness and outreach resources liaison. It’s her latest job in a career devoted to her passion for humanitarian work.
Finding her calling wasn’t easy. First, she had to find her “pulse of joy." From there she discovered her passion: to help people feel seen and heard, and to make real change in the unhoused community.
Build Your Career Around Building a Better World
“The diverse course of study at the University of Oregon expanded my awareness of the direct impact that the role of the federal government has in the lives of individuals, positive and negative. Through internships, I was able to build community connections and develop applicable job skills.”
—Carly Gabrielson, communications director for US Representative & Political Science BS, 2013
Our Degree Programs
Political science undergraduate students can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree while also completing up to two (2) career path focuses: Public Policy and Political Action; Politics, Law and Justice; Politics of Business; Global Engagement; Sustainability, Development, and Social Action; or Ethics, Identity, and Society. PhD students also have the option of completing a specialization in Politics, Culture and Identity.
Learn from Experts in the Field
Our faculty members engage in and regularly publish research across the political science spectrum. Many focus their efforts on the intersections of the five traditional subfields of political science: comparative politics, public policy, US politics, international relations, and political theory.
Get Real-world Experience
Political science students can participate in research and organizing projects with Oregon unions, workers’ organizations, public policy organizations, and legislators concerned with labor and employment issues. Students also do independent research projects; take annual trips to Salem and Portland to watch the political process; and interact with elected officials, scholars, journalists, and activists.
Scholarships & Funding
The Department of Political Science offers multiple scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. The majority of funding for our graduate students is offered in the form of graduate employee appointments.
Academic Support
Political science majors receive robust academic support from our director of undergraduate studies, as well as two undergraduate coordinators. They can also work with college and career advisors at Tykeson Hall to explore their interests and map out a career path.
