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

A man in a pink sweatshirt smiles and holds a camera next to a photo of Vladimir Putin hanging on the wall

March 10, 2026

2026 Oscar Reviews: 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin'

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

A man in a flannel robe stands beside an older-model sedan in the middle of a desert highway, aiming a rifle with one hand and raising a cylindrical object in the other

March 10, 2026

2026 Oscar Review: 'One Battle After Another'

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

A man with a beard stands beside a mid-20th Century payphone, holding the receiver up to his ear

March 10, 2026

2026 Oscar Reviews: 'The Secret Agent'

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

Political Science Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Socrates Cafe

Date: Monday, Mar 30, 2026

No homework. No grades. Just curiosity and conversation. Join Dr. Mann as she continues the Socratic tradition of open dialogue about deep things. March's topic: Political Animals - Why and how does our creatureliness matter?