What is Political Science?
Explore this UC major to see if it’s the right fit for you
If you’re interested in government and politics, you may be asking yourself , ‘what is political science, and what does a political scientist do?’
Political science is an academic discipline offered through UC’s College of Arts & Sciences (A&S), encompassing the systematic study of politics, government and public policy.
Political science delves into understanding the theory and practice of politics ranging from local governance to international affairs. Through the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), students can gain a comprehensive understanding of political systems, institutions, and behaviors, as well as the factors that shape political decision-making and public policy formulation.
“Ideally, students leave our program with an ability to make a complex world a little easier to understand and explain—and that ability makes them an asset to employers.
Alexander Thurston Undergraduate Director, School of Public and International Affairs
Students who major in political science will still be a part of the College of Arts & Sciences, however they will get a more individualized and distinct educational experience being apart of SPIA.
“SPIA is a school, which is in between a department and a college in terms of size and complexity,” says professor Alexander Thurston, undergraduate program director of SPIA. “The school officially launched in 2022, but it came out of years of thinking about how to reach bigger audiences and how to best serve UC’s overall mission.”
The program represents an effort to contribute to discussions about public issues in the U.S. and internationally—something political science was already doing, but that the school structure facilitates even better.
Real-world experience
Undergraduate director of UC's School for Public and International Affairs Alexander Thurston. Credit/Provided
In the program, students explore political systems, both domestic and international, and examine the relationships between governments, political parties, interest groups, and citizens. Students also delve into topics such as political ideologies, comparative politics, public administration, political theory, and the dynamics of power and governance.
“We train students in both 'soft' and 'hard' skills,” says Thurston. Soft skills have to do with reading critically, thinking about the meanings behind what policymakers and politicians say, ultimately putting present policies and politics into a broader context. Hard skills have to do with mastering languages, different software programs, and different forms of quantitative research. “Ideally, students leave our program with an ability to make a complex world a little easier to understand and explain—and that ability makes them an asset to employers.”
Take it from a student
UC is known for its commitment to students through the ‘Bearcat Promise’—an effort to provide graduates with tools and experiences to prepare them for careers following their time at the university.
“As a political science student, I have been presented with countless opportunities to hear from distinguished speakers, attend panels, participate in experiential learning, and earn esteemed scholarships,” says third year student Mackenzie Collett.
“The faculty is incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to providing students with the best education possible.”
Political science graduates often pursue careers in government, international organizations, non-profit work, law, education, journalism/public relations, and various private sector industries where an understanding of politics and policy is crucial.
Notable classes
Within the department, faculty members aim to provide students with a variety of opportunities that will align with their interests and offer invaluable experience. Political science offers an array of curricula that includes guest speakers, alumni engagement, an internships for academic credit and summer research programming.
“Political science is an incredibly versatile major, as you can make your course load specific to your own interests,” says Collett. “For example, I have tailored most of the classes I take to cover law, American politics, and the United States government, but plenty of my peers have tailored their course load to cover data collection/research, international relations, political theory, and comparative politics.” Some notable classes in the program include:
- Law, Politics and Society
- Women and Politics
- Environmental Policy
- Political Science through Fiction and Film
- African American Social and Political Thought
In a nutshell
While at UC, political science majors develop essential skills that are highly valued in today’s interconnected and rapidly changing world. These skills include effective communication, analytical thinking, research proficiency, and the ability to analyze complex data and informaton--skills that make graduates stand out in a competitive workplace.
“Political science asks questions about why people behave the way they do and why institutions function the way they do," says Thurston. "Political scientists pay attention to states and governments, political parties and politicians, wars and conflicts, identities and ideologies, but also to everyday life and ordinary people.”
Featured image at top: US Capitol on a sunny day. Credit/Jaqui for Pixabay
By Makaela Mertic
Student Journalist, A&S Department of Marketing and Communication
artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu
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