About the Department of Political Science and International Affairs

A degree in political science is primarily about learning a critical or widely applicable set of skills: 

• critical thinking
• written and oral communication
• data analysis
• research
• problem solving

Our department provides an outstanding education in political science and international affairs, with award-winning faculty dedicated to an individualized approach to student success. 

• Small class sizes allow us to work closely with students from their first day on campus.
• All students complete an original senior research project and can present their work at a professional conference.
• We prioritize internships, either in Springfield or in our signature Washington Center program.
• Get involved in Model United Nations, Debate, the Political Science Honorary Society, Pizza and Politics discussions, the Pre-law club,  or Student Government.
• Our program emphasizes citizenship and community leadership, focusing on the application of political science skills to civic engagement.
• A majority of graduates continue on to law or graduate school, with a nearly 100% successful placement rate.