Political Science

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
Carly Gabrielson, Communications Director for U.S. Representative & Political Science B.S

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.

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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.

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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.

Undergraduate Scholarships
Graduate Funding

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.

Undergraduate Advising 
Support for Graduate Students

Political Science News and Events

Doctoral student Madison Schroder's work has been extensively cited in a Bloomberg article. Her work shows the difference in ballot initiatives in red and blue states.  

GENERAL SOCIAL SCIENCES, POLITICAL SCIENCE – Alum Irisa Mehta '23 wanted to be a voice for others, to be a representative for those who face the educational barrier of understanding our criminal justice system. She took on two majors and two minors to make sure she was prepared for anything. She learned a lot academically and about how to have fun.
POLITICAL SCIENCE - In mid-August, Chandler James, an assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, attended the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) as a district-level delegate. This is what he experienced.

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HEDCO Institute Undergraduate Scholars Program Info Session
Nov4
HEDCO Institute Undergraduate Scholars Program Info Session Nov 4
Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science 3MT Slide
Nov4
Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science 3MT Slide Nov 4
Physical Chemistry Seminar: Photo-scissile Ruthenium Compounds for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery
Nov4
Physical Chemistry Seminar: Photo-scissile Ruthenium Compounds for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery Nov 4 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
More than 2024:  Historians Pick the Craziest and Most Consequential US Elections
Nov4
More than 2024:  Historians Pick the Craziest and Most Consequential US Elections Nov 4 McKenzie Hall 375
Department of History Coffee Hour
Nov5
Department of History Coffee Hour Nov 5 McKenzie Hall
Mastering the Art of a STEM 3MT Slide
Nov5
Mastering the Art of a STEM 3MT Slide Nov 5
Let's Talk - Tuesdays 3-5PM (CMAE/Zoom)
Nov5
Let's Talk - Tuesdays 3-5PM (CMAE/Zoom) Nov 5 CMAE
Wisconsin Postdoc Expo 2024
Nov6
Wisconsin Postdoc Expo 2024 Nov 6
Let's Talk - Wednesdays Noon-2MP (Peterson Hall/Zoom)
Nov6
Let's Talk - Wednesdays Noon-2MP (Peterson Hall/Zoom) Nov 6 Peterson Hall
Let’s Talk – Wednesdays 2PM-4PM (BCC/Zoom)
Nov6
Let’s Talk – Wednesdays 2PM-4PM (BCC/Zoom) Nov 6 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center

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