Department of Political Science

Political Science & International Studies

Look at the world from a global perspective. Gain a strong foundation in the liberal arts while learning to gather evidence, think critically, evaluate sources, and communicate your findings.

Why Study Political Science?

Professor speaking to class in front of chalkboard with political written

Academic Programs

Political Science Major

International Relations Major

International Studies Major

Environment, Development, and Global Economy Major

National Security and Foreign Affairs Major

Undergraduate Minors

Masters in Political Science

Graduate Certificates

Global Distinction

Our faculty publishes leading-edge research in a wide variety of fields. We prepare students to understand domestic and international affairs. Our areas of focus include national security and foreign policy, legal studies, environmental affairs, world politics and policy, global development, and international business.

Virginia Tech Global Distinction

Why Study Political Science Here?

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News and Stories Spotlight

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Experts examine issues raised by the U.S. extraction of the Venezuelan president , article
The U.S. military’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has raised complex questions about foreign policy, executive authority, and long-term regional stability, according to to Virginia Tech political scientists Paul Avey and Karen Hult.
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A powerful, interdisciplinary lens to view problems , article
Fueled by the support of alumnus David H. Kellogg ’82, who recently made a $16 million gift commitment to endow the David H. Kellogg Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Virginia Tech has become a national leader in the field, with sizable growth in the number of students who have majored or minored in what is widely known as PPE.
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Class of 2025: Cadet Regan Goger turns hard lessons into leadership opportunities , article
Goger came to Virginia Tech and its Corps of Cadets after she had enlisted in the Army National Guard and deployed to Kuwait for a year as an intelligence analyst. Now, she will commission as an officer in the U.S. Army.
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‘Curious Conversations’ podcast: Patrick Salmons talks about the history of the banjo , article
Salmons explored the banjo’s origins, its cultural roots, how racism and minstrelsy shaped its perception, and the music industry’s influence on the instrument.
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Experts available: Tariffs & holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas trees, and more , article
The Virginia Tech media relations office has experts available for interviews this week surrounding issues in the news and holiday topics including tariffs and the impact on the holidays, food safety, cooking with invasive species, Christmas trees, and more. To schedule an interview, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.
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Experts available: Government shutdown stalemate ends, flights delayed, SNAP benefits, yams vs sweet potatoes, more , article
The Virginia Tech media relations office has the following experts available for interviews this week surrounding issues in the news. To schedule an interview, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.