Political Science

Political science, broadly defined, is the study of political power and the ends to which that power is used.

It is "scientific" in the sense that there is a systematic body of knowledge about political behavior which can be studied empirically, normatively, and experientially.  It is "political" in the sense that it concentrates on the institutions and processes of political systems that exercise power in an authoritative way.  But in a broader sense, political science also studies the larger issues of justice and the ways in which the use of political power advances or retards the achievement of justice. 

Political science prepares students for possible careers in public administration; federal, state, and local elected office; public policy analysis; lobbying, journalism, political consulting, law, and graduate work leading to teaching, research, or administration at the university level.

For additional information on studying Political Science, contact:

Emily Luxon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Political Science Discipline Representative

More about Political Science

Politics deals with "who gets what," and political science is the study of that process of getting and maintaining power. It is an attempt to define and analyze the processes by which individuals define their interests and interact to promote those interests. At the same time it is the study of the moral ends to which power is used. The six officially defined areas of specialty within political science are American Politics, Political Theory, Public Policy, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Research Methodology. 

In addition to courses that enable undergraduate students to build knowledge and develop a concentration of study in these areas, the Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) is also available through political science.

Degree Requirements

For more detailed listings of course requirements and special restrictions/stipulations related to the political science major or minor, please go to the Undergraduate Academic Catalog listing for political science.

Program Goals

Internship and Research Opportunities

Student Clubs & Organizations

Political Science students may also be interested in other clubs and organizations in Social Sciences, throughout CASL, and across campus.

Student Services and Facilities

Political science is housed in the Social Sciences Building (SSB), which has several areas available for students to gather, network, and study.  Lounge areas with televisions streaming CNN and other news stations are available on the first and second floors.  Full vending facilities and an outdoor picnic area are available on the first floor.

Wireless internet access is available throughout the building, a full computer lab and stand-alone hard-wired computers with internet access are available on the first floor. SSB contains three large lecture halls that host classes, as well as high-profile guest speakers and symposia.  Fully-wired classrooms with projection systems are located throughout the building.

Political science faculty are available to meet with students in their offices on the first and second floors of SSB.  The Social Sciences conference room, adjacent to the Social Sciences Department’s administrative office on the 2nd floor of SSB, is available for university-related student meetings, upon approval.  The Social Sciences office is also where students can access key personnel involved with political science internships.

Department of Social Sciences

3018 - College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters Building
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
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Phone: 313-593-5096
Fax: 313-593-5645