Political science is, for some, the study of power. It is about who has power, how power is exercised, and how it is resisted. It is about the rules, who makes them, and why we break them. How do governments form, how to they make and enforce laws, and how are they replaced?
Political science is typically divided into four parts: 1) American politics (political institutions, constitutionalism), 2) Comparative politics (the politics of other countries compared), 3) International relations (the politics between different countries), and 4) Political theory (ideas of power and governance, from Aristotle to Hobbes and beyond). The SBS Concentration focuses on American politics and comparative politics, offering a wide range of courses related to constitutionalism, the state, democracy, local governance, and American politics.
Political science can help prepare students for a wide range of professions, including working for governments and non-governmental organizations. SUA Alumni have gone on to work for political campaigns, foreign services of their respective countries, to work for local governments, and more. Students of political science also pursue graduate degrees in political science and public policy, among other degrees and fields. Political science is also the major with the highest number of law school applicants and law school students each year.