Political Science is a social science oriented around the study of politics and government. The Department of Political Science at Miami University has a research active faculty working in a variety of areas within the discipline. We offer five undergraduate majors, Political Science, Diplomacy and Global Politics, Public Administration, Public Health: Health Policy and Administration, and Social Data Analytics as well as a Master’s degree in Political Science. We regularly offer a range of courses that cover central issues and questions in the study of politics and government, including courses on the American political system (e.g., constitutional rights and liberties, the American presidency, Congress, parties and interests groups, and political behavior); World Politics (e.g., international relations, international law and organizations, American foreign policy); Comparative Politics (the politics and government in the major regions of the world, e.g., Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and Asia); Political Philosophy; and Public Administration.

We prepare our students for their futures, whether in advanced studies or careers, and as citizens. Our alumni go on to study at top graduate and professional schools. Other alumni find careers in business, the Foreign Service, the armed forces, federal, state, and local government, law enforcement, lobbying, and non-profit organizations. Some of our alumni serve in Congress, at the White House, and in U.S. embassies abroad. Some of our alumni have successful careers in academic political science, including the president of a university, deans, and department chairs.

Our students study with an expert and engaging faculty, who themselves are involved in a wide range of research projects. Several members of our faculty have received awards for outstanding teaching and in recognition of their scholarly research. Many of our faculty also have experienced working in government and politics, and bring that experience to the classroom. We also encourage our students to take advantage of opportunities to undertake internships and other experiences in applied settings, and to study abroad—which are increasingly important in the global environment. There are opportunities for students to engage in research projects of their own, and funding may be available from college or university programs.

updated: 01/01/21