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
June 3, 2026
VCU drives societal change with 10 new Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Fund awards
Nearly $100,000 is being awarded to fund projects on teacher education, AI, environmental governance, the history of Black dentistry and more.
June 2, 2026
Family journey inspires Roqia Ali’s passion for civic engagement
The VCU Votes leader champions democracy and doesn’t take it for granted.
May 6, 2026
Class of 2026: Jason Dresen readies for the Peace Corps and, hopefully, the Foreign Service
The double-major in economics and political science is forging a path with familiar, and familial, footsteps.
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.