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
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.
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
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 IDPCE 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.
