As a Political Science major at UCI, you explore how politics works at the individual, group, national, and international levels. Students are introduced to the findings and the methods for gathering information about political behavior and political processes.
Course work emphasizes the development of analytic thinking and clear writing skills.
Upper-division courses are organized around general areas of study, including American society and politics, comparative politics, international relations, public law, and political theory. The Department is composed of a strong and diverse faculty especially interested in analyzing central questions of political science related to such topics as policy-making, political structures, participation, conflict, change and development, power and authority, and interstate relations. The faculty has particular strength in interdisciplinary approaches, in comparative analysis, and in the application of quantitative data to political science issues. Students have many opportunities to pursue special topics in political science through independent study courses, field studies, and internships. Political Science majors learn how to understand politics and acquire the skills for effective performance in many professional fields.