Political Science
At Stetson, your study in Political Science will cover the major areas of the discipline: American government, international relations, comparative politics and political theory. The program is designed to enhance your abilities to read critically, research thoroughly and write precisely, while also analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data. The aim is to cultivate graduates with sharp intellectual skills and a deep understanding of the discipline's core concepts and materials.
Why Political Science at Stetson University?
At Stetson, Political Science combines the benefits of a small university with a diverse range of courses and faculty expertise. You'll enjoy small classes and seminars, enhanced by special opportunities. Participate in on-campus events like the Floyd M. Riddick Model United States Senate, engage in internships locally in Central Florida or globally and join study trips to places like New York, Washington, D.C., Tallahassee, Central America and Central Asia.
Learn more about the Department of Political Science.
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"All of the support that I got, not just from the faculty, but from my friends and my support systems here. Because there's no way I would be able to pursue this PhD program, if it weren't for all of the people that helped me out along the way."
Sarah Hollman ’18 Political Science, PhD candidate at University of Florida
"I chose this place because I knew I would grow. ... It wasn't a place where there was sort of outlined expectations of me, or a checkbox to fill. I needed to be in a place where I had to figure out my own path."
Veronica Faison ’18 Political Science & Communication and Media Studies,
’21 JD from American University, Westwood Fellow at Neighborhood Legal Services, Washington, DC.
Career Outcomes
As a Political Science graduate, you might find yourself in elective offices in Congress or state legislatures, as a teacher or researcher at leading universities, or pursuing distinguished careers in journalism, business, government service, or law. Recently, law has been the most popular path for graduates, joining many Stetson alumni who have become respected judges and attorneys in Florida and across the United States.
As you begin your journey, you will work with some of our distinguished faculty and dedicated professionals who will provide you with personal attention and expert guidance to help you thrive academically and professionally.
- David Hill, PhD, University of Florida
- William Nylen, PhD, Columbia University
- Elizabeth Plantan, PhD, Cornell University
- Steven Smallpage, PhD, Michigan State University
- Kelly B. Smith, PhD, Brown University
At Stetson, as a Political Science student, you'll benefit from a diverse selection of courses in small-class settings, ranging from foundational subjects like American Government and Comparative Politics to specialized topics such as Russian Foreign Policy and Religion and Politics, with class sizes varying from eight to 30 students. The major's requirements are designed to cater to your specific interests while ensuring a comprehensive education in political science. You're required to take five core courses, including a senior seminar and a senior thesis in your final fall semester. Beyond these, your major consists of electives from a total of 11 unit courses.
To enhance coherence in your studies and prepare for your thesis, you may focus your electives on one or two key areas: American government, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory. You're encouraged to explore related courses in other departments, such as language and culture classes for those interested in Latin American politics. Additionally, all political science majors are advised to take a year of economics and some history to gain a thorough understanding of modern world history and detailed knowledge of 20th-century history in your area of concentration, whether it's the United States, Latin America, Russia, etc.
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