Political Science
The undergraduate program in Political Science at Rice University educates students about political science as the scientific study of political institutions, political behavior, and public policy. Our program focuses on three subfields, and students can specialize in one or two of these subfields or approach the major more broadly:
- American Politics - the study of politics and government in the United States
- Comparative Politics - the study of domestic politics in countries outside the United States
- International Relations - the study of how countries interact with one another
Social Policy Analysis
The Social Policy Analysis (SOPA) major focuses on policy design, analysis, and communication. SOPA's strong interdisciplinary focus and rigorous instruction in empirical methods provide students with the specialized knowledge and experience to design and evaluate policy interventions that address complex social problems. As a SOPA student, you’ll deepen your policy knowledge, build empirical skills, and create positive change in your community.
Funding Opportunities in Political Science
There are several funding opportunities available to support undergraduate research for both Political Science and Social Policy Analysis majors.