Many people think of politics in terms of political parties and voting. Political science is interested in both of these subjects, but it is also interested in many other areas. Students will find courses on the ideas of great thinkers from Plato to the present, the problems of cities, war and peace, democracy and utopia, democratic and authoritarian political systems, international political economy, human rights, women and politics, American politics, the domestic and foreign policies of the United States and countries in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and other regions.

A large number of political science major choose some branch of public service upon completing their bachelor's degrees. Some go into teaching. Others enter business. Some work in journalism. Still others enter politics or go on to law school or graduate training. Political science, therefore, prepares students for a variety of career opportunities as well as for a lifetime of active citizenship.