Department of Political Science

Department of Political Science

Political science is the empirical and theoretical study of systems of governance and power, political attitudes and behavior, and public policy and law, both abroad and in the United States. The Department of Political Science teaches students the critical thinking, analytical, and communicative skills needed for understanding how governments and politics function in contemporary and historical contexts. Alumni of the department work in fields related to government, public administration, business, law, and policy research and advocacy.

MajorCourses

Career Pathways Event

February 20, 2026
Career Pathways Flyer

Career Pathways 2026 – Your Future Starts Here!

Are you wondering where your political science degree can take you? Looking for advice from professionals who’ve been in your shoes? Career Pathways 2026 is your chance to connect with UR alumni who have built successful careers in foreign policy, government, public policy, and more!

Friday, February 20, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Weinstein Hall, Brown Alley Room

Register Here (Registration Required!)

At this exciting event, you’ll hear firsthand from alumni ranging from recent grads to seasoned professionals as they share insights on:

  • Networking & Finding Your First Job
  • Deciding on Graduate School
  • Building a Meaningful Career in Public Service and Beyond

You’ll have the opportunity to attend 2 of 3 engaging alumni panels and wrap up the event with a networking reception to connect with alumni and fellow students!

Check Out the Alumni Attending! For full bios, visit our website: https://polisci.richmond.edu/career-planning/career-pathways-in-political-science/index.html   

Higher education poster

Higher Education & Authoritarianism: Hungary-Russia-Turkey

This panel, moderated by a scholar whose work focuses on authoritarianism, features three speakers examining the escalating threats to higher education and academic freedom in increasingly authoritarian political climates, using Hungary, Russia, and Turkey as case studies. After brief presentations by the speakers on how these states undermine university autonomy, the floor will be open to a question-and-answer session.

Thursday, February 19th

4:00 pm

Brown Alley Room (313), Weinstein Hall

America First poster

America First: The Turn in Foreign Policy under Trump

A panel of UR political scientists will explore a range of topics, including recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, the ongoing war in Ukraine, U.S. threats to Greenland and implications for NATO and the EU, and the message sent to countries such as China.

Wednesday, January 21st 6:00- 8:00 pm

School of Law, Classroom 101

Free Pizza

Universities under attack talk poster

Universities Under Attack and What That Means For You.

Why is the Trump administration going after universities? What will this mean for research? And what does that mean for students? Join our experts on higher education policies and academic freedom to understand the impacts of recent changes, now and down the road.

Carole Weinstein international Center Commons

November 13th @ 5:30pm

Free Pizza

Poster for Upcoming Brown bag Talk

Is the Bellwether Ringing? The State of Virginia and What it Bodes for National Politics.

Dr. Ernest McGowen will give a talk that focus on the unique role of Virginia and its off-year elections in predictions about future national politics. Topics will include the unique context of federal workers and their impact on the 2025 election, an enthusiasm gap in polling and fundraising, and the effects of state-level gerrymandering on party mobilization targets in 2026 and 2028.

Bring your lunch and enjoy the discussion!

Whitehurst Living Room 

October 24th @ 12:00pm-1:15pm

Faculty Highlights

Datta awarded at Colloquy

Monti Datta, associate professor of political science, received the 2025 Distinguished Educator Award from the University of Richmond at Colloquy.

Scholarship Repository Readership

The University of Richmond's Scholarship Repository shares faculty publications with a world-wide audience. The map below shows where articles from political science faculty are being read around the globe.

Upcoming Events

Contact Us

Mailing Address:
Department of Political Science
202 Weinstein Hall
231 Richmond Way
University of Richmond, VA 23173

Phone: (804) 289-8529
Fax: (804) 287-6833

Department Chair:  Dr. Tracy Roof

Academic Administrative Coordinator: Emilee Papa