Why do some people become political activists while others are apathetic? Why do some countries become democracies? How are public policies determined? What are the legal grounds for public policies that infringe on personal freedoms? What shapes the relations between nations in the international system? These are examples of questions at the heart of political science.

The UCI Department of Political Science offers a wide variety of courses at the introductory, lower-division, and more specialized upper-division levels. Courses are offered in both micropolitics (individual and group politics) and macropolitics (politics at the state and international levels). The department also offers an honors program in political science for juniors and seniors, culminating in a senior honors thesis. Students are encouraged to explore our courses and campus activities, whether or not they are committed to a major in this field.

 

Fall 2021 Orientation