The Department of Political Science is oriented toward both teaching and research and has multiple missions. First, it offers a balanced curriculum for undergraduates and graduate students to study the art and science of politics. Second, it offers training for students preparing to become professionals in political science and other fields. Third, it exists as a research faculty seeking new knowledge about government and politics.
Many members of the faculty have national and international reputations in their fields of scholarship. These research and teaching interests vary widely, from political leadership to the comparison of new and old democratic governments, issues of political economy, and ethical questions about politics.
Political science majors may participate in independent study, directed study, selected topics seminars, first-year seminars, the Honors Program, and internships. Average class size is close to thirty–small classes make personal contact with the faculty relatively easy. Students participate in the governance of the department through the Undergraduate Political Science Association, and may qualify for membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary society.