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
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

Make America Great Again Panel Poster

Make America Great Again? Understanding Domestic Policy Under Trump

Come join us for a panel of political scientists who will look at recent changes in a range of policy areas, including health care, nutrition, immigration, budget priorities, and civil liberties.

October 6th, 6:00pm. Jepson 118

Free Pizza!

Colorful Flyer for Ice Cream Social with smiling Ice Cream Cartoons

PoliSci Ice Cream Social & Scavenger Hunt

Come join us at The Garden of Five Lions in Weinstein Hall for a sweet treat and some PoliSci fun!

Enjoy delicious DeLuca Gelato, meet the Political Science faculty, explore the PoliSci lounges, and enter for your chance to win UR merch!

September 8th, 4:30pm-5:30pm! See you there!

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.

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