Why study political science?

Tackle the big questions about your community, your country and the world.

Political science is the academic study of politics and government. In one sense, it is an ancient discipline. It remains central to any classical study of the liberal arts, firmly grounded as it is in the work of Plato and Aristotle. In another sense, because it often deals with current events and sophisticated statistical analysis, political science is a cutting-edge area of study.

Whether you are analyzing voting patterns in a presidential campaign, the Israeli parliament or the pros and cons of different systems of government, political science is timely, fascinating and perpetually changing.

News

In 2023, students and alumni were named recipients for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Critical Language Scholarship, the Goldwater Scholarship, the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, the Gilman Scholarship and the Public Policy and International Affairs Program Junior Summer Institute. (File photo)

Nov. 29, 2023

Year-end review: A look at the VCU students and alums who earned prestigious domestic and international scholarships in 2023 through the National Scholarship Office

The recipients represent the university’s academic excellence and stand out for their accomplishments and potential in highly competitive international and domestic applicant pools.

Anthony F. Godfrey, a former U.S. ambassador, draws on his decades of experience in foreign service to teach students at VCU. (Contributed image)

Nov. 15, 2023

Retired U.S. Ambassador Anthony Godfrey shares decades of wisdom with his VCU students

In his political science class, he offers firsthand perspective on foreign affairs and insight into diplomacy as a career.

Capital News Service reporter Kaina Lee interviews voters at a Henrico County polling place on Nov. 7. (Contributed photo).

Nov. 9, 2023

How the ‘Newsroom at VCU’ covered Election Day in Virginia

In the field and with General Assembly control at stake, student journalists serve audiences statewide on digital and broadcast platforms.

Political Science Spotlight