Political Science Undergraduate Program
“We are the new generation of leaders. If you want to change the world, now’s the time. The world is not at a standstill. Everything is changing and it’s so cool to be studying political science right now.”
Shannon Kang, Sophomore - Click to read more about our students
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Political Science Undergraduate Program
Are you interested in the critical issues facing society? How governments across the globe solve pressing problems? How to engage others and become a leader?
Political Science is the study of governments; their institutions, policies, and processes. Political Scince is the study of people; their beliefs, decision-processes, attitudes and behavior. Political Science uses rigorous research methods and scientific perspectives to examine the complex and challenging problems facing United States and all regions of the world.
Political Science is versatile degree. Graduates work in many fields including legislative settings, public policy think tanks, law, foreign affairs, business, and non-governmental agencies.
Faculty
The Political Science Department has more than 30 dedicated faculty members who excel in original research and innovative teaching methods. This commitment is reflected in the broad range of courses we offer, covering International Conflict, Constitutional Law, Artificial Intelligence Policy, Environmental Policy, and more. With such diverse offerings, there's sure to be something that will interest every student.
Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award: Professor Swati Srivastava
“Professor Srivastava does a terrific job of building the class around current-event topics, specific articles and readings for lively, meaningful, open discussions. She helps us learn as well as delve deeper into the world that we are all interested in,” says Tabitha Akoto, a political science major from Bolingbrook, Illinois, who is graduating in December.
All in a day’s learning for an award-winning College of Liberal Arts professor and her students. And this lively exchange is between a roomful of bright young students and Srivastava, one of three recipients of Purdue’s Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award for 2023. The award recognizes assistant professors who demonstrate superior ability in communicating the chosen material to their undergraduate students and stimulating their desire to master the course material.
Undergraduate Opportunities
Computational Social Science Lab
Governance and Responsible AI (GRAIL)
International Politics and Responsible Tech (IPART)
Watch recent Political Science grad Daniella Ashibuogwu explain what she values about her liberal arts education at Purdue:
"I have an interest in Politics. I love learning about American government as well as American history, and I ultimately want to write legislation. One type of policy that’s really close to my heart is education. There are a lot of really great policies out there to help people who can’t get to school, or people who don’t necessarily have the resources like I have here at Purdue."
"What I have gained from the College of Liberal Arts is versatility. I don’t have to set one path in my life."