Polling Well One of the largest departments in the College of Arts & Sciences with more than 800
undergraduate students and over 100 graduate students, the Department of Political
Science offers five degree programs: a B.A. in Political Science, a B.A. in International
Studies, a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), a Master of Arts in International
Studies (M.A.I.S.), and a Ph.D. in Political Science. Our fields of study include
American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Methodology,
Political Theory, and Public Administration.
If you have questions or need help please email us using the addresses below.
Undergraduate questions:
Graduate questions:
MPA questions:
General questions:
Questions for the Chair of the department:
Kicking Off the Campaign for a Career Our undergraduate degree in political science is an excellent springboard for a career in the law, the government,
teaching, and a variety of other fields. Our undergraduate degree in international
studies is an excellent launching pad for a career in the foreign service or with
non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Both programs are united by a commitment to
one-on-one mentoring of students. The department is also home to the university's
minor in leadership studies, in which we train students across the university to become
the leaders of tomorrow.
Our M.P.A program trains students to work in various levels of government, non-profits, and even public
service positions in for-profit organizations. Our accelerated M.P.A. program allows
USC students to complete their M.P.A. degree with just one additional year of graduate
coursework. Our M.A.I.S. degree builds upon the undergraduate international studies
degree in providing students additional training in data analysis and research design
in the fields of comparative politics and international relations.
Our doctoral program is designed for students interested in obtaining faculty positions at research and
teaching institutions. And our record in placing our Ph.D. students is strong. Our
Ph.D. alumni include the deputy provost and vice president of academic affairs at
Arizona State University, a former program officer at the National Science Foundation
and full professor at the University of Georgia, as well as faculty at schools such
as Michigan State University, the University of North Texas, Georgia State University
and Roanoke College.
Relying on Trusted Advisers Our distinguished faculty regularly collaborates with undergraduate and graduate students on research and publishes
regularly with leading academic presses and in top scholarly journals. They organize
international, national and regional conferences that connect our students to scholars
and employers from around the world and across the country. Our faculty also encourages
students to engage in experiences outside the classroom.
