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 Concentrations Honors Program

Faculty Highlights

Erkulwater awarded at Colloquy

Jennifer Erkulwater, professor of political science, received the 2026 Distinguished Scholarship Award from the University of Richmond at Colloquy.

Bowie publishes new edition of Judicial Process in America

Jennifer Bowie, professor of political science, published the 13th edition of the book Judicial Process in America.

Joireman publishes on Zanzibar revolution

Sandra Joireman, Weinstein Chair of Global Studies, published “Property Confiscation in the Zanzibar Revolution” in African Affairs.

Bowie & student publish on U.S. Supreme Court decision

Jennifer Bowie, professor of political science, along with Kaitlyn O'Leary, '23, published "Jones v. Hendrix on Habeas Corpus” in SCOTUS 2023 Major Decisions and Developments of the US Supreme Court.

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

University of Richmond alum helps hospitals optimize pharmacy performance

As CEO of Visante, Spider alum leads a company that works with hospitals to improve their pharmacies’ patient care and financial returns.

Prof. Monti Datta led the first University of Richmond study abroad to South Korea

UR Now: STUDENT EXPERIENCE

University of Richmond offers its first summer study abroad in South Korea

This summer, an international relations class focused on experiential learning — from making bibimbap and learning K-pop dancing to observing life across the demilitarized zone.

The Center for Global Engagement at the University of Richmond

UR Now: STUDENT EXPERIENCE

University of Richmond students are doing summer research around the globe

Meet two of them. Julia Guss is studying the emergence of Berlin’s techno scene in the 1990s, while Liam Gunawardena explores public safety in Sydney.