What can you do with a political science degree?
In addition to careers in law, government and international relations, our graduates also work in non-profit organizations and major corporations.
Explore the challenges in political life
Political Science
About the Department of Political Science
We live in a time of amazing opportunities and challenges, and our current political climate demonstrates a need for informed and civil discussions of topics such as representation, security, democracy, justice and citizenship.
The Department of Political Science at the University is dedicated to political inquiry and analysis, as well as teaching excellence.
Through our faculty's active research agendas, we are exploring some of the most compelling challenges in political life, and our research informs our teaching in critical ways. We have a range of expertise and knowledge amongst our faculty that is ultimately devoted to providing you with a rich understanding of the discipline of political science.
An Open Letter Concerning Institutional Racism and Black Lives Matter
The Major and Minor
A major or minor in political science does more than give you an understanding of our political landscape in the United States and abroad. It develops your critical thinking, research, writing and speaking abilities and prepares you for a range of fulfilling careers.
Related Programs
We recommend sitting down with a member of our faculty to plan your college career, especially since our program is flexible.
What's your passion?
Career Paths
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Internships
Our students have interned with the Minnesota State Senate, law and judicial offices, political campaigns, numerous public agencies and more.
Outside the Classroom
Our students have access to a variety of unique experiences that prepare them for multiple career paths after graduation.
Citizens League Internships
Each academic year, two POLS majors intern with the Citizens League, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers people to engage in civic life and public policy.
Political Campaigns
Some political science majors complement their academic work by gaining experience with local, state, and national campaigns.
Student Research
Political science majors present their work at the Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research Conference in Washington, D.C.
Get Involved
There are multiple ways for you to get involved in our department.
Foreign Affairs Club
Foreign Affairs Club discusses and debates issues of international importance. Members attend the American Model United Nations Conference in Chicago every fall.
Pre-Law Society
Pre-Law Society sponsors attorney-networking events, law school info sessions and practice LSAT exams. Many members participate in Mock Trial competitions too.
Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science honor society for undergraduate students of political science.
Conduct Impactful Research
Our department actively encourages and participates in a variety of student-based research activities.
By collaborating with faculty in research, you will gain valuable practical skills in gathering and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, critical thinking and public speaking. Students have the opportunity to present their research at the regional and national conferences.
Students interested in research opportunities within the department should demonstrate this interest by talking with their professors about the writing and revising of papers for their classes. Find out more about the research agendas of your professors. Attend department events where they share their research findings. POLS 240 - Political Science Research Methods prepares you to take on additional research.
Undergraduate Research Poster Session
Faculty
Our faculty are experts in their fields, world travelers, and most importantly, your teachers. They are passionate about mentoring and engaging with you inside and outside of the classroom.
Dr. Angela High-Pippert
Dr. High-Pippert is chair of the department and program director of Ready to Run Minnesota, a non-partisan campaign training program to encourage women to run for political office.
Dr. Caleb Goltz
Dr. Goltz teaches courses within judicial politics, and his research agenda includes animal law. He is writing a book about the legal and political foundations of colony collapse disorder in honeybees.
Dr. Renee Buhr
Dr. Renee Buhr will lead an embedded study abroad course to Northern Ireland in Spring 2021. This course, team-taught with Dr. Monica Hartmann from the Economics Department, will explore the impact of Brexit on politics, economics and the peace process.
Current Faculty Research
Women and Politics
Dr. High-Pippert's primary research interest is women and politics. Her current project is a content analysis of campaign and government websites, press releases, and speeches of the first Native American women elected to Congress in 2018 (Representatives Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids). Dr. High-Pippert is also the program director of Ready to Run Minnesota.
American Elections
Dr. Lynch researches American elections and representation. His current research project involves creating a website to make information about U.S. Senate appointees more accessible.
Public Diplomacy in India
Dr. Mazumdar's recent research focuses on the significance of India's public diplomacy activities, which involve informing and influencing foreign public opinion.
Women and Politics
Dr. High-Pippert's primary research interest is women and politics. Her current project is a content analysis of campaign and government websites, press releases, and speeches of the first Native American women elected to Congress in 2018 (Representatives Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids). Dr. High-Pippert is also the program director of Ready to Run Minnesota.
American Elections
Dr. Lynch researches American elections and representation. His current research project involves creating a website to make information about U.S. Senate appointees more accessible.
Public Diplomacy in India
Dr. Mazumdar's recent research focuses on the significance of India's public diplomacy activities, which involve informing and influencing foreign public opinion.
Contact Information
Questions? Please feel free to reach out to us to learn more about our department.
Tel: (651)-962-5720
Email: ahighpippe@stthomas.edu
Mailing Address
JRC 432
University of St. Thomas
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
Campus Location
We are located on the fourth floor of the John Roach Center for the Liberal Arts (Building #2 on the campus map).