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

Students taking part in this summer’s Civil Rights Trail trip had the opportunity to attend a lecture at the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Georgia. (Contributed photo).

Sept. 17, 2025

Civil Rights Trail trip is historical and personal for VCU students

The summer journey from the Department of Political Science is experiential learning and, for senior Alexandra Hardesty and others, a reinforcement of passion.

Nelson Wikstrom, the educator, researcher, author and public speaker, impressed colleagues and students alike with his vast political science knowledge. (File photo)

Sept. 16, 2025

Nelson Wikstrom, longtime professor of political science, dies at 85

The former department chair co-authored a leading textbook on intergovernmental relations.

Sept. 10, 2025

VCU announces recipients of 2025 faculty awards for scholarship, teaching excellence

Interim Provost Beverly J. Warren today announced 30 winners of VCU’s National/International Recognition Awards and 25 winners of the Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Awards.

Political Science Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Informational Session: On-site Research in Guam or Puerto Rico

Date: Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025

This is an informational session for a FUNDED research opportunity in Guam or Puerto Rico for summer of 2026. Students will develop and conduct field work with local partners on environmental governance issues.