Why study political science?
Tackle the big questions about your community, your country and the world.
Political science is the study of governance and power: who has it, who seeks it, how and why some are excluded from it.
Did you know?
The economic value of a political science degree is among the highest of all undergraduate majors. Political Science ranks 13th out of 83 majors in median lifetime earnings, and ranks 2nd in the social sciences in median annual salary.
Political Science at VCU
Our B.A. in Political Science is designed to provide a foundation in knowledge of politics and government, and to train students how to conduct research.
Learn more about VCU Political Science and careers opportunities for political scientists.
News
Feb. 24, 2026
As her VCU roots deepen, so does her fundraising for pediatric care
Payton Hardinge went from student to staff in 2011, and her work at Children’s Hospital Foundation is funding advances in muscular dystrophy research, family support and other areas.
Feb. 5, 2026
Here are five primary dangers from political AI chatbots, VCU expert Jason Ross Arnold says
The political science professor also shares advice – and a stark warning about the threat to democracy.
Jan. 28, 2026
Justice, education and advocacy propel Alexander Campbell
The senior, who led the push for new state legislation when he was a child, today serves on the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities and works for a member of the Virginia House of Delegates – among many other efforts.
Political Science Spotlight
Meet Hezha
His family's refugee story and the ongoing oppression of his people led Hezha Barzani to study political science. Read more about Hezha's favorite classes, professors and how VCU is helping him in his goal to fight injustice around the world.
Fast track to a Master of Public Administration
Earn your B.A. in political science and M.P.A. in five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of your undergraduate program.
Join the IDEP community
The Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism cultivates dialogues about how democracy works, how it is under threat and how it can be strengthened.
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