Undergraduate
The department is home to two undergraduate majors—the B.A. in political science and the B.A. in international studies—as well as minors in these two programs and the minor in leadership studies.
The Department of Political Science at USC offers general or intensive courses of study in political science, international studies, public administration and leadership. Specific programs, such as comparative politics, provide opportunities for deeper inquiry.
USC’s political science program at a glance
Graduate
The department offers three advanced degrees: a Ph.D. in political science, an M.A. in international studies (M.A.I.S.), and an M.A. in public administration (M.P.A.).
Research
Students in both the graduate and undergraduate programs may conduct research with faculty members with extensive experience in numerous fields of inquiry.
Careers
Political science students explore government, public policy and political behavior through a variety of perspectives, building skills for careers in law, government, public service and more.
A political science graduate degree can lead anywhere
Our doctoral program is designed for students interested in obtaining faculty positions at research and teaching institutions. Our Ph.D. students have gained placements in leadership roles at institutions including the National Science Foundation and Arizona State University as well as faculty at schools such as Michigan State University, the University of North Texas, Georgia State University and Roanoke College.
The Master of Public Administration program trains students to work in various levels of government and non-profits along with public service positions in for-profit organizations. The Master in International Studies (M.A.I.S.) degree provides training in data analysis and research design in the fields of comparative politics and international relations.