Welcome to the Department of Political Science
Political Science is the study of politics in the U.S. and other countries, relations among nations, and different theories that explain the meaning of political life. It is the study of power, conflict, war, diplomacy, culture, leadership, justice, law, reform, and revolution.
In completing the Political Science major, students choose among a wide selection of lower-division, upper-division, and seminar courses in five fields—U.S. politics, comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, and quantitative methods. The department also offers its majors the option of an Emphasis in Pre-Law or Public Sector Studies. Students learn about politics from both nationally-acclaimed scholars and political professionals like Leon Panetta (President Clinton’s Chief of Staff) and Judy Nadler (former Santa Clara Mayor). They can gain hands-on experience in the public sector through local internships or affiliated programs in Washington D.C. and a variety of foreign countries. Student organizations like the Political Science Students Association and the Political Science Honors Program enable strong student participation in the intellectual life of the department.
