What is Political Science?

Political Science is the study of politics and political action in society. It encompasses international agreements and organizations, as well as the patterns of political action that both create and shape them. It encompasses citizen action and the institutions that produce public policy at the local, state, and national levels within the United States. It encompasses systems of voting, political parties, courts, compared across national political systems. It encompasses the raising of normative questions about the nature and purposes of political life. The presence of politics is felt in all areas and sectors of society at all times. The dynamic and transformative effects of political action are seen virtually everywhere.

Our students have graduated and gone on to work in a wide variety of fields and jobs all over the globe. Some of our alumni, graduate students, and professors shared their experiences at CSU and why they love political science in a series called: This is Why I Poli Sci.

The Major

We offer a B.A. in Political Science with flexible degree requirements that provide students the option to pursue a broad degree or specialize in more focused areas of politics. Our curriculum includes coursework in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory; and public policy and administration. Students are strongly encouraged to complete internships and to study abroad. Political Science majors are required to add a second major or minor in another field to complement their political science training with additional skills and knowledge. The department offers four political science concentrations:

1. Political Science Major – For students with a broad interest in the study of government, politics, and public affairs.
2. Political Science Major - Environmental Politics and Policy Concentration – For students seeking the knowledge and skills to analyze the connections between politics and the natural world, and pursue careers in environmental politics and policy-making.
3. Political Science Major - Global Politics and Policy Concentration – For students interested in developing the knowledge and skills to analyze political relationships between and within countries, and to pursue careers in international affairs.
4. Political Science Major - US Government, Law and Public Policy Concentration – For students interested in the political processes and the legal environment of all levels of American government, as well as the processes of policy making and the administrative apparatus used to implement public policy in the US.

If you are a future student, please contact CLA recruitment coordinator, Erika Pepmeyer, at 970-491-1194 or email: cla_recruitment@colostate.edu. To schedule an individual campus tour, fill out a visit request form.

For further information on majoring in political science, please contact the CLA Academic Support Center and schedule an appointment with an adviser.

For further information on minoring in political science, please contact Kate Sherman at 970-491-5156 or Kate.Sherman@colostate.edu or stop by the Political Science Department office in Clark C346.

Additional Opportunities

The department offers many opportunities for students to get involved outside of the classroom:

1.  The Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership provides internships, professional development opportunities, career coaching, workshops, panels, and more. The Center works with undergraduate and graduate students in all colleges and majors. John Straayer taught political science at CSU for 51 years and has been a resource for students and elected officials across the state.
2. The Pre-law Club, Poli Sci Fun Club, and the Model UN Club are just a few of the clubs that allow students to meet other students of similar interests.
3. The department and the Straayer Center offer a wide variety of events and speakers throughout the year, most of which are free of charge.