Political Science (BA, BS)

The Department of Political Science studies governments, public policies and political processes, systems and behavior. Are you interested in American politics or international affairs? The formation of political identities and allegiances? Strategies of cooperation and conflict? Political theories of law and democracy? Gun control, immigration, the environment, civil rights? If so, you belong in political science, where you will learn to think critically and globally and acquire the skills necessary to be successful in the world.

Students in the BA program have the opportunity to specialize in one of eleven different areas, and students in the BS program take a sequence of methodology courses. In addition, students must obtain breadth by taking at least one course in each of the four traditional subfields of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory

Top-rated Program

Major Details

Future Students

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Hyeji Kim, Political Science, talks about why she chose her major and how to approach faculty in the department.

Degree Outcomes

“My classes in political science taught me to think as a global citizen and helped me immeasurably as I adapted to my work in China” — Andrea Blinkhorn, MPP candidate at Harvard and former Fellow for Teach for China

“My political science education prepared me for a career in understanding how institutions work. This foundation of understanding is one which any individual can leverage for their respective career paths. If that means management consulting - great, if that means continuing the research of institutions, organizational systems, institutional relations, etc. in political science - even better!” — Michael Cata, business analytics consultant at IBM

The critical thinking, writing and analytical skills I developed studying political science at Ohio State are indispensable for my career in media and communications in Washington, D.C. -Jim Baird, communications director at Stimson Center

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

As a Political Science major, you can pursue one of two different degrees – a BA or a BS – based on your specific interests and career goals. The main difference between these programs is the BS degree’s emphasis on methodological training, making this degree particularly useful if you are interested in careers requiring data analysis or are pursuing a second STEM-related major or minor.

Department of Political Science More Political Science Courses

A major in Political Science prepares students for careers in law, local, state and federal government, agencies dealing with national security, foreign policy, business, consulting, lobbying, journalism, international development, and education. The skills you will gain in research and writing, data analysis, and critical thinking are vital to any career path.

courses you might take:

POLITSC 2150: Voters and Elections

Students in this course will study elections in the United States, focusing on voter attitudes, group behavior, and political participation.

POLITSC 4380: Political Analysis of International Economic Relations

This course examines the relationship between political and economic events in the international system. Topics include global interdependence, inequality, scarce resources, and periphery nation strategies.

POLITSC 3430: Political Theories of Freedom

The Political Theories of Freedom course allows students to critically analyze the ways that the value of human freedom has been invoked and pursued in political life. Topics include the relationship between freedom and democracy, between political and market freedom, and between freedom and the necessary conditions for its enjoyment.

POLITSC 4282: The Politics of Income Inequality

This course introduces the fundamental politics of income inequality and redistribution, including social policy development, redistributional policy differences between countries, and the popularity of differing welfare programs.

POLITSC 3780: Data Literacy and Visualization

Most social science debates can be addressed with data, and sources of data are growing exponentially. This course introduces students to tools of data analysis and the principles behind their use in the context of social-science applications.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Pursue an Internship

Political Science students can enhance the practical side of their education and start building their future career by participating in an internship for academic credit. Take advantage of Columbus’s many connections to local and state government and business, or find opportunities across the country and around the world.

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Ohio State's Partnerships in the U.S. and Abroad

Political Science students can gain real-world experience by spending a semester working in Washington, D.C., or explore politics abroad through exchange programs with Sciences Po and the University of Mannheim, two of Europe’s most prestigious and diverse universities.

Study Abroad

Mock Trial Team

The Ohio State Mock Trial Team participates in competitions replicating a trial setting, allowing participants to gain valuable courtroom experience and grow their critical thinking and public speaking skills. The Mock Trial team competes around the country and has competed at the National Championships for the past two years.

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Work at the Canadian Parliament

Political Science students can gain real-world experience in politics and international relations while interning as a political staffer in the office of a Member of the Canadian Parliament.

Study Abroad

Conduct Innovative Research

Thanks to Ohio State’s resources as a premier research institution, Political Science students can pursue independent research or assist one of our world-renowned faculty members with his or her ongoing research.

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