Welcome to Political Science!
This website is designed to answer some of your questions about majoring in Political Science, academic requirements, and post-graduation options. Take a look around and learn about the degree requirements, job opportunities and other great resources at MSU!!
Political Science is a social science concerned with the description and analysis of political, and especially governmental, institutions and processes. Increasingly, the emphasis is being placed on how governments deal with specific policy problems, such as war and peace, poverty, crime, education, energy, pollution, or intergroup relations, and on the factors that affect these problems. The study of political science provides one with the concepts, theories and methods necessary to analyze these policy problems scientifically. Because of the complexities of modern legislation and current political changes, political science is considered an essential component of a broad education for today's world.
At Michigan State University, Political Science has been divided into the following subfields: American politics, international politics, comparative politics, public administration and public policy, and political thought. Each of these has its own particular educational and career implications. You can select courses from any of these areas throughout your program; we hope you take advantage and tailor your education to your specific preferences and interests.
We appreciate your interest in our department!
Angie Debelak and Brian Egan
Academic Advisers