Political Science Major and Minor

Political Science programs are about power, conflict, political challenges and social change in today’s democratic and globally connected environment. Students graduating with a degree in Political Science obtain careers in law, politics, public policy, foreign aid, sustainable global development and poverty reduction, international justice, communications, and education. The career possibilities are endless with a degree in Political Science because our program allows students to customize their degree program around hands-on concentration options, multi-disciplinary opportunities, and rigorous curricula — all within Oregon’s largest and politically active city.

Why Study Political Science PSU?

Earn your political science degree in Oregon’s largest and most politically active city of Portland.

Studying political science in Portland presents a unique opportunity to see how a mid-sized metropolitan city addresses issues such as gentrification, homelessness, police engagement, and social justice from a public policy, legal, political theory, and American political perspective. Our students have access to a top-notch internship program that connects you with alumni and current working professionals in your field of interest. You’ll be able to easily connect with professionals actively engaged in fields such as law, politics, public policy, sustainable global development, and international justice to gain marketable skills in your field of interest, setting you up for the political science career of your dreams.

Learn More About Internships

What can I do with a bachelor's degree or minor in Political Science?

Our students develop skills that are highly valued by today’s employers. These skills include, but are not limited to: out-of-the-box problem solving, research, critical communication skills in writing/thinking/analysis, inclusive collaboration skills, and effective oral presentation skills.

Students and alumni find employment in business, government, nonprofits, social services, and educational institutions. Completing an internship or obtaining a relevant part-time job can only boost your job prospects after graduation.

Our Internship program and connections to our Alumni provide us a network of potential opportunities once you graduate with a degree in Political Science.

See where graduates of PSU's Political science Programs work

Ready to Start?

We offer a major and a minor in Political Science.

Click on the link on the right to see the curriculum for the program.

The standard major offers a traditional course of study in political science that involves some exposure to three basic areas of the discipline. In addition to meeting the University’s general education requirements, a student wishing to pursue a basic major in political science must take a minimum of 56 credits in political science distributed as follows. A minimum of 24 credits must be taken in residence at PSU.

The minor in political science requires fewer credits than the standard major and may be combined with other majors offered at PSU. Of the 28 required course credits, students must complete at least 16 at PSU.

Political Science Major Curriculum

Political Science Minor Curriculum

Students are encouraged to take political science courses that complement their academic interests and scholarly goals. Students can take exciting courses in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats on topics such as comparative politics, international politics, and political theory. Students also have the opportunity to earn credit for internships.

Contact your CUPA professional advisor or the program faculty advisor, Prof. Chris Shortell, with questions about our program or course offerings.

Contact Dr. Shortell