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
Nov. 4, 2026
Win, lose and draw conclusions: What the 2026 midterm election tells us
Four VCU political analysts offer quick takes from Tuesday’s vote, and they will share insights and field questions at a Thursday evening panel discussion.
Oct. 14, 2026
U.S. Pacific Territories serve as a research station for VCU students
Political science professor Andrea Simonelli leads a field project to Guam and Saipan to explore governance, disaster recovery and the environment.
Oct. 9, 2026
Pneumonic plague concern: Here’s what we know, and don’t know, about a suspicious death and Russian secrecy
VCU political scientist and global health expert Judyth Twigg explains the mystery and the history tied to a lab worker’s death in Siberia.
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.
