Department of Political Science

Department of Political Science 60th Anniversary

For the past 60 years, the Department of Political Science has provided students with a strong foundation in political science, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Studying in Blacksburg offers an extraordinary opportunity for students to engage with local and federal government, while students learn to conduct extensive research projects, work collaboratively, think through the questions of our time, evaluate sources, and communicate findings to others.

Why Study In The Department of Political Science?

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 analyze the second State of the Union speech of Trump’s second term , article
President Donald Trump has appeared before Congress to deliver the second State of the Union address of his second term in office. Political scientist Karen Hult and political communications expert Cayce Myers offered their analysis of the content and context of the president’s speech.
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Experts available: Tariff strike down, State of the Union, Iran, bombogenesis, 'Sinners', and more , article
Virginia Tech experts are available to discuss the Supreme Court striking down Trump's tariffs, the State of the Union, geopolitical tensions in Iran, the bomb cyclone storm, the musical history of "Sinners", and more.
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Expert discusses the musical traditions showcased in ‘Sinners’ , article
Ryan Cooglar’s horror film SINNERS, a box office sensation in 2025, has received 16 Academy Award nominations, the most for any movie in cinema history. Patrick Salmons, whose research focuses on the intersections of music, history, race, and class relations, discusses how the movie uses music and metaphors to comment on issues of racism in America.
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Experts available: partial government shutdown, social media lawsuits, fourth anniversary of Ukraine War , article
The Virginia Tech media relations office has experts available for interviews this week surrounding issues in the news, including the partial shutdown over homeland security funding, social media companies on trial in child addiction cases, the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and more. To schedule an interview, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu
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From archives to America's national parks , article
Alumnus Miles Abernethy credits his time as a student employee in the University Libraries' Special Collections and University Archives with building the confidence and experience he brings to his work at the National Park Service.
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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.