The political science department seeks to provide the student with knowledge of political life, research abilities, and the ability to confront problems of political significance. The department seeks to develop graduates who are wellprepared to proceed to the next level of academic training or employment in areas where a knowledge of politics is considered both necessary and desirable.

The department has two components. Plan I, the general Political Science component, emphasizes law and graduate school preparation. Plan II, the Public Administration component, emphasizes preparation for work in both the public and private sectors of society.

Majors have a variety of potential career paths, including careers in government, foreign service, international civil service, research, and teaching. Political science majors also will be eligible for administrative careers in policy planning and implementation. In addition, study in the discipline will provide a basic course concentration for pre-law and for graduate and professional programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.