About Political Science

Political science as an academic discipline has existed for only a century, but the study of government and politics is at least as old as the ancient Greeks. For Aristotle, politics was the "master science" on which all branches of human activity depended. Politics is no less central to an understanding of our own society and the world around us. For today's college student, the systematic study of politics--or political science--offers an opportunity to explore how and why public decisions are made on issues ranging from health care to tax policy to human rights, and the environment.

Political Science at Stetson is a broad education. It teaches you how to read critically, how to research and write with precision, and how to analyze rigorously qualitative and quantitative materials. It teaches these skills in courses that convey extensive information about political ideas and behavior. The aim of the political science major, then, is to graduate from Stetson students who have well-developed intellectual skills as well as a mastery of the core concepts and materials of the discipline.

With a knowledge of public affairs and solid intellectual and writing skills, Stetson graduates in political science are prepared to pursue a wide range of professions. Some continue their education in law or graduate school, while others enter such professions as politics and government service, journalism, public interest representation, and business. In recent years, the most popular destination for political science graduates has been law school, attracting approximately one-half of the seniors graduating in the major. However, increasingly, our graduates are aiming for a Master's Degree in Public Administration or other graduate degrees. We are happy to work closely with you writing letters of recommendation and exploring your career aspirations.

For current department news, you may read the latest issue of our newsletter, Polity Summer 2021.