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.

Major Courses

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.

Joireman awarded at Colloquy

Sandra Joireman, Weinstein Chair of International Studies, received the 2025 Distinguished Scholarship Award from the University of Richmond at Colloquy.

Pribble awarded at Colloquy

Jenny Pribble, professor of political science and global studies, received the 2025 Distinguished Scholarship Award from the University of Richmond at Colloquy.

Datta awarded by Bonner Foundation

Monti Datta, associate professor of political science, received the Bonnor Foundation Spirit of Ubuntu Award, given to individuals who embody the spirit of community engagement.

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.

Feature Stories

Student Scholars

University of Richmond Senior Devin Morgan Named Newman Civic Fellow for Commitment to Public Service and Community Engagement

Morgan, a political science major with a minor in environmental studies, has devoted a large part of his undergraduate experience to civic initiatives.

National security is front and center for UR grad

Alum Greg Hayken negotiates defense and national security contracts at CACI International, a Fortune 500 company.

A photo of Jack Bricklemeyer and Dr. John Obeck in Obeck's dental office in Tampa, FL. Both are wearing blue scrubs and smiling at the camera.

University of Richmond Magazine

Five reasons an alum-supervised internship is the ideal summer

Spiders help Spiders when alumni host current students as interns. Here's how it pays dividends for everyone involved.

UR Now: University News

University recognized as a “Best College” by Princeton Review

Richmond earns high marks for academics and student experience, ranking in the top 10 for classroom experience, career services, health services, and dining.