Department of Political Science
Why Political Science at OSU?
We ask big questions that matter to today's society.
How can we best promote democracy? Why do people vote the way they do? What are our modern security threats, and what policies work best for countering them? What feasible options exist to help us better address climate change? By studying the causes of political problems and the structure of governance, political science provides the tools to help students identify the source of these problems and the means to find solutions.
Undergraduate Studies
Find Your Path
Political science students can choose between a general political science degree or choose a specialization in pre-law, global politics, or practical politics (campaigning, lobbying and policymaking). We also offer minors in political science, campaigns and lobbying, intelligence and security analysis, and law and legal studies.
Graduate Studies
Lead the Future
Our department offers two graduate programs: M.A. in Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies and M.A. in Politics and Policy Studies. Both offer close-knit cohorts of students and a supportive academic environment to prepare you for a variety of careers or for continued study in Ph.D. or law programs.
Our Department at a Glance
Departmenal Resources
Our faculty are engaged scholars who bring their research and expertise into the classroom, exploring a wide range of topics in American and global politics. Graduate assistants support undergraduate learning, while our staff help students navigate their academic experience.
Research
The Higher Education and Democracy Research Lab (HEDR Lab) is an ongoing research endeavor that examines how college level civics coursework impacts students’ understanding and perceptions of American government and politics.
Alumni
The Political Science Advisory Board helps strengthen and sustain our research, teaching and service, as well as to improve our facilities, expand our financial resources and serve our alumni.
Scholarship
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we are able to award several scholarships recognizing the top undergraduate students enrolled as political science majors.
Make an Impact
Gifts to OSU have created more than 2,500 scholarship funds, benefitting thousands of students for generations. Make your impact today by giving to the Department of Political Science!