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Undergraduate Majors & Minors

The Department of Political Science offers several major and minor options. Follow the links below to the UA Catalog, which details curricula and courses:

MAJORS: Political Science (BA); International Studies (BA)

MINORS: Political Science; International Studies; Public Policy


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Course Descriptions & Schedules

For course descriptions, schedules, special topics and more, click the button below:

View Course Info

What Is Political Science?

Political science is the study of the institutions and processes of governance, political behavior, and political philosophy, within the United States and abroad.

At UA, we teach political science within five subfields — American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration — and students can take courses in all of them for a well-rounded perspective.

Learn more about each subfield at right.

Studying American politics means learning about our political process — voting, interest groups, campaign finance, and political communication — and political institutions like Congress, the Presidency, the courts, bureaucracy, and state executives and legislators in the United States.

Comparative politics includes the study of domestic politics and political institutions of nations around the world.

International relations includes the study of how countries interact militarily, economically, and diplomatically, the factors that influence these interactions, and the channels of their interactions.

Political theory is the study of the concepts and principles that people use to describe, explain, justify, and evaluate political norms, practices, actions, and institutions.

Public policy and administration includes the description and analysis of government policy at all levels, and the study of how policy is defined and implemented.

Be Advised

Undergrad advising details like how to register for classes, find out who your advisor is, or make an advising appointment are all right here:

Get Advised
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Why Study Political Science?

A major or minor in political science can be great preparation for a career in public service, education, political advocacy, nonprofits, political campaigns, and the media. More important, it also contributes to informed and effective citizenship.

Join Our Award-Winning Mock Trial Team

Undergraduates hone their public speaking, critical thinking, and problem solving skills by joining the UA Mock Trial Team, co-hosted by the Department of Political Science and the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Learn more about the team at uamocktrial.com.

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