Politics is a uniquely human activity: together we choose the rules and norms that pattern our lives. Political science is the systematic study and evaluation of politics. We ask questions like, "what values should guide our political choices, and how do we resolve conflicts between our values? why do nations go to war? What are the implications of different electoral and governing systems? How do citizens and legislators decide how to vote?"

Our department consists of 12 regular faculty members and 12 adjunct or part-time faculty, and about 120 political science majors graduate each year. We offer a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in public administration, and several of our faculty participate in the Ph.D. program offered by International Studies.