Political Science Major
.png)
Our program prepares you to understand, analyze, and participate in governments, policy, and politics in the United States and around the world. Graduates pursue careers in governmental, nonprofit, and business organizations and attend prestigious graduate and professional schools.
500+
STUDENTS STUDY WITH US
10th
“RETURN ON INVESTMENT” RANKING AMONG U.S. SCHOOLS
4
DEGREE OPTIONS
12
CREDITS FOR INTERNSHIPS INCLUDING HOKIES ON THE HILL
Total Credit Hours: 120
Political Science Requirements (54 hours)
General Education (45 hours)
Electives (30 hours)
What You'll Study
Select from a variety of courses including those in U.S. politics and government, international relations, public policy, political thought, and empirical political analysis. Some of our courses include:
- Introduction to Political Science and International Studies
- U.S. Government and Politics
- Comparative Government and Politics
- Political Theory
- Research Methods in Political Science
- World Politics or Global Economy and World Politics
Additional requirements include:
- 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, including Virginia Tech’s Pathways
- 30 hours of electives
Related Links
What Is a Major in Political Science?
We study how governments and political systems interact to distribute wealth and power across a global society. The theoretical and historical foundations, cultural characteristics, and economic dimensions of both domestic and international politics are considered. The courses provide strong preparation for careers in government, business, law, politics, and education.
Why Study Political Science Here?
Our strong network with local, state, and federal governments will provide you with the opportunity to put your knowledge to work. Our advisors help with course selection, degree requirements, internships, career planning, and applications for graduate and law school. We offer options in legal studies, national security, and political theory.
Beyond the Classroom
- Internships in Political Science
- Undergraduate Research
- Pre-Law Advising
- Preparing Military Leaders
- Study Abroad
Our students often get internships with the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, political campaigns, international organizations, and national, state, or local administrative agencies. We also offer programs such as the Washington Semester and Hokies on the Hill to help you prepare for a career in public service.
Our faculty members are productive authors, legal scholars, and award-winning teachers who are always eager to mentor students on research projects in their field of interest. If you have an undergraduate research project in mind that you’d like to pursue, just ask.
Law School Preparation
Join the pre-law advising program to gain a wealth of information from our faculty and staff. They will guide you through decisions, academic preparation, and the application process. We also offer a legal studies option you can add to your degree.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
We work with many students in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and ROTC, as well as veterans and students waiting to begin an armed forces training program. Our political science major also has an option in national security for training to advance your career in public service and the military.
Travel and Learn
Although studying abroad isn't required, it can often be a pivotal experience for you. Living in a different country is the best way to understand the differences and similarities between cultures. It allows you to develop a personal expertise in a specific national or regional context or language.
What Our Students Are Saying
"I learned so much during my internship. I learned how to be a professional, how to work with many different personalities, and what direction I wanted to move in professionally. My love for public service grew through this experience."
- Brittany Brown, '10, interned for U.S. Senator Jim Webb
"I made the decision to work in public service during my junior year at Virginia Tech. I knew it would be an incredible opportunity to give back to my community in a meaningful and direct way."
- Colin MacDermott '12
Careers and Further Study
Maria Betances-Koegle, '18
While earning double majors in political science and French, Maria had three internships. First, she was a research intern at EMILY's List, an organization based in Washington D.C. that works to elect women to political office. Next, she interned for a local political campaign that elected a Virginia Delegate. These experiences helped her land an internship with NextGen America, a political organization, in San Francisco, California. The hands-on experience in the political field from these internships ignited her passion for politics and elections.
Taylor Zelman, '19
While studying political science and criminology, Taylor interned with Catholic Charities Office of Migration and Refugee Services and Virginia Tech football. Both experiences contributed to her interest in pursuing a law career in sports and contract law or advocacy and immigration law. Following graduation, Taylor is attending law school at Penn State University.
Raleigh Christian, '19
While studying Political Science and Sociology, Raleigh interned with the New Virginia Majority as a community advocate, focusing on re-registering felons with restored voting rights in the New River Valley. She also traveled abroad in Ghana and studied Anthropology and Africana Studies at the University of Cape Coast. These experiences motivated her to enter a career in public service and administration. Raleigh works with the Virginia College Advising Corps at the University of Virginia.
Melanie Baca, '20
While pursuing a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in National Security Studies, Melanie completed internships with the Department of Justice, which provided insight to the federal government, and a second with Booz Allen Hamilton, which developed technical skills and an understanding of government consulting. Melanie also participated in research on the Dark Web, which was presented to the Defense Intelligence Agency. She plans to start her career with Booz Allen Hamilton as a consultant.
Genevieve Kluck, '20
Genevieve spent a semester abroad in England, where she was able to study important contemporary issues, like Brexit, firsthand. She is continuing her education with the political science department as she completes the accelerated master's program at Virginia Tech.
Madalyn Moore, ’20
While studying Political Science, Madalyn served as a peer mentor for the Introduction to Political Science and International Studies course, a resident advisor, and a Yates Society Scholar where she was able to recruit and support first generation college students. These roles fostered a love of mentorship and led her to create the Mentorship in International Studies and Political Science group. Madalyn plans to continue to mentor, guide, and support others while in law school.
Alicia Azzi, '15
Alicia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Legal Studies. During her time at VT, she held positions in Student Government Association, mentored incoming Hokies through New Student and Family programs, served in leadership roles within her sorority and the Class of 2015 Leadership team, and joined the Intelligence Community Associates Program (IC-CAE). These experiences helped her grow as a leader and eventually led her to pursue a position within the United States Intelligence Community.
Kristen Taylor, '21
Kristen completed a triple degree in political science, public relations, and public and urban affairs. In addition to several leadership opportunities, she participated in an internship with the US Embassy in the Hague where she worked with the Public Diplomacy department. Her classes and experiences prepared her for graduate school in Global Governance, Politics, and Security from American University in pursuit of a career in foreign diplomacy.
Brian Bogert, ’21
Brian completed degrees in Political Science and Industrial & Systems Engineering. One of his favorite courses allowed students to determine how systems modelling can be used to assess the impact of cybersecurity on the 2016 election. He is pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering & Management Sciences.
Sabrina Mohammed, ‘22
Sabrina, a political science major, completed an internship with Apple as a Global Security Operations Intern. She used her skills and background from courses to develop and implement security globally while also learning key security practices in the technology field.
Benjamin Janosy , '22
Benjamin studied Political Science and was a part of the Corps of Cadets. He has served roles as the Cadet Alumni Liaison Officer, Platoon Leader for Mike Company, and assistant S-2 for the 1st battalion. In addition to these Corps positions, he has served as a peer mentor for PSCI 1034 and spent three years on the HokiePRIDE executive board. After graduation, he will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as an Ordnance Officer stationed in Germany.
Will Schubert, '22
Will studied political science with a focus on national security. He participated in Hokies on the Hill, interned with a US Senator, and completed an internship with the Maryland state government as an undergraduate student. These experiences confirmed his interest in public service, and Will is continuing his education in law school.
.jpg.transform/xl-medium/image.jpg)
Eleni Paraskevopoulos, '22
While studying Political Science with a concentration in Legal Studies and a minor in Science, Technology, and Law, Eleni was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, ambassador, and representative for the One Love Foundation. She was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society and Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Eleni is attending the University of Richmond’s School of Law with the intent to focus on IP law.
Shane Lee, '22
Shane Lee completed a dual degree in Political Science & PPE with a minor in Philosophy. Throughout his time at Virginia Tech he has served as a Recruitment Ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts and Human Science and worked with multiple cultural organizations and is a member of the Undergraduate Research Excellence Program. Through internships, Shane has worked with non-profits, large utility companies, and trade associations. After graduation, Shane will be working at a prominent non-profit in Washington D.C. working to push for Climate Policy.
What do I do with a political science major?
We have multiple tracks of study that can lead to law school, professional school, or provide an excellent general liberal education for corporate employment in insurance, utilities, finance, public relations, and consulting. These skills are transferable, and employers say that our graduates are more focused and trainable than students with many other types of degrees.
Our graduates pursue careers such as:
- Research and policy analyst
- Military officer
- Attorney
- Teacher and Professor
- Intelligence Analyst
- Political Correspondent
- Consultant
- Campaign Staffer
- Lobbyist
- Civil Servant
- Diplomat
Related Programs