Political Science Major

The mission of the undergraduate program in Political Science is to provide students with a solid grasp of the American political system and other political systems within the context of global forces, international conflicts, social movements, ideological systems and diversity. Courses in the major are designed to help students gain competency in the primary subfields of political science including American and comparative politics, international relations, and the theory/philosophy of politics; to introduce students to a variety of research methodologies and analytical frameworks; and to develop students' written and oral communication skills.

Students in the program have excellent preparation for further study in graduate or professional schools as well as careers in government, business, and not-for-profit organizations. The Department of Political Science offers two options for undergraduate study. Most students enroll in our Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program which requires 70 units of study in four departmental subfields. Enrollment in the B.A. program requires students to first secure an adviser.  Students may also apply to the Political Science Research Track Honors Program. This program leads to a Bachelor of Arts with Honors (B.A.H) in Political Science. The links below provide more information about these degrees, including requirements and application procedures.

Questions?

For questions regarding the B.A. program, Research Honors Track or finding an adviser, feel free to contact the undergraduate program administrator, Stephanie Burbank, at sburbank [at] stanford [dot] edu bplarson [at] stanford [dot] edu ( ) or 723-1608. Her office is in Encina Hall West, Room 100.