Overview

The major in Political Science at Rice University educates students in the scientific study of political institutions, political behavior, and public policy, or how people create, use, and challenge power and rules that shape the way in which collective life is organized. Our program focuses on three subfields:

• 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.

Outcomes

As a Political Science major, you will:

1. Develop a broad understanding of political science and more specific knowledge in one or more subfields (Substantive knowledge)
2. Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to apply political science theories to understand the political world (Critical thinking)
3. Learn how to interpret, conduct and evaluate political science research, including data collection and data analysis techniques and statistical software (Empirical analysis)
4. Develop and strengthen written, oral, and visual communication skills and the ability to present political science research to an audience (Communication)
5. Become an informed citizen able to participate effectively and meaningfully in the political process (Citizenship)

Curriculum

The Political Science undergraduate curriculum is designed to help students achieve the above outcomes:

• The 200-level introductory courses in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations provide an overview of the main topics, questions, and approaches within each subfield.
• The 300-level courses explore in greater detail specific political science topics, such as democracy, political representation, the presidency, elections and voting behavior, minority politics, women and gender, the judiciary, legislatures, political parties, urban politics, public policy, war, terrorism, foreign policy, international organizations, and trade, among others.
• The 400-level courses are research seminars where students use critical thinking skills to apply methodological, theoretical, and research knowledge to political science topics in which our faculty specialize. Students write research papers and/or do oral/visual presentations as part of these courses.
• Political Science majors must take two research methods courses. These courses teach students introductory statistics, how to design and conduct research, and allow them to apply their newly learned methods. We recommend taking them early in the major, as they provide skills essential for upper-division courses and are prerequisites for all 400-level courses.

Please see our degree requirements page for specific political science major requirements.

Career Options

The Political Science major provides students with marketable skills, including written, oral, and visual communication, critical thinking, policy evaluation, data analysis, and research methods. These skills, in addition to the in-depth knowledge gained through the major, prepare students for a wide variety of post-graduation opportunities in government (local, state, and national level), non-governmental and international organizations, policy and public administration, business and consulting, journalism, law school, education, and more!

Beyond preparing students for a host of future careers, political science courses equip students to become informed citizens ready to participate in political life. To learn more about career-building and internship opportunities, join our Facebook page, where we regularly post internship opportunities, or visit the Gateway Program in the School of Social Sciences.