Political Science
Major & Minor
Bachelor of Arts
Do you hope to gain a better understanding of the political systems of the United States and countries around the world? As a political science student, you will explore basic theoretical, empirical, and methodological tenets of politics. You experience your learning in action through opportunities like the Washington semester or the AustralUS Collaborative. Your path after Austin College may lead you to professional fields such as law, policy research, teaching, journalism, lobbying, management, or public service - from the local through international level. Reach your potential at one of the best political science colleges in Texas; Austin College provides students with the knowledge and experiences needed to make a real impact.
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Finish in Four*
with the skills to launch your career
Your career path
as a political scientist will span an array of industries and will require you to hone your communication, critical thinking, quantitative and collaboration skills. As a graduate you will be poised to take on your first job with the knowledge that you can confidently:
- describe and illustrate political science phenomenon effectively in written and oral presentations.
- describe how the operation of institutions impact political outcomes.
- utilize quantitative methods to address political science problems
Explore our Graduate Outcomes to learn more about what our graduates are doing today.
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Program Highlights
New Program Spotlight
AustralUS Collaborative
Prepare for impactful policy-relevant field research across Australasia with the AustralUS Collaborative Program.
This initiative connects you with leading institutions in Australia and neighboring countries, offering an immersive experience that blends interdisciplinary inquiry, intercultural awareness, and professional development.
![Washington Semester]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719981812/austincollegeedu/xlslegluqek3eaitrt27/WashingtonSemester.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1719981812/austincollegeedu/xlslegluqek3eaitrt27/WashingtonSemester.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1719981812/austincollegeedu/xlslegluqek3eaitrt27/WashingtonSemester.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1719981812/austincollegeedu/xlslegluqek3eaitrt27/WashingtonSemester.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719981812/austincollegeedu/xlslegluqek3eaitrt27/WashingtonSemester.png","width":1439}])
The Washington Semester Program allows students to spend a semester taking coursework at American University, completing a research project, and engaging in an intensive internship experience in Washington D.C.
![Model UN]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1715915719/austincollegeedu/hzdpm19r4fzuunht2zhz/ModelUN.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1715915719/austincollegeedu/hzdpm19r4fzuunht2zhz/ModelUN.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1715915719/austincollegeedu/hzdpm19r4fzuunht2zhz/ModelUN.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1715915719/austincollegeedu/hzdpm19r4fzuunht2zhz/ModelUN.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1715915719/austincollegeedu/hzdpm19r4fzuunht2zhz/ModelUN.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1715915719/austincollegeedu/hzdpm19r4fzuunht2zhz/ModelUN.jpg","width":2200}])
Model UN conferences are actual simulations of the workings of the United Nations, with delegates assuming the positions currently pending among the countries they represent. Over the past 20 years, Austin College students have earned ...
![Social Entrepreneurship for Poverty Alleviation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720034963/austincollegeedu/myuvdizfrqbg5a0yx9vc/SEPA-Group-Photo_May-2024_NH-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720034963/austincollegeedu/myuvdizfrqbg5a0yx9vc/SEPA-Group-Photo_May-2024_NH-1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720034963/austincollegeedu/myuvdizfrqbg5a0yx9vc/SEPA-Group-Photo_May-2024_NH-1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1720034963/austincollegeedu/myuvdizfrqbg5a0yx9vc/SEPA-Group-Photo_May-2024_NH-1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1720034963/austincollegeedu/myuvdizfrqbg5a0yx9vc/SEPA-Group-Photo_May-2024_NH-1.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1720034963/austincollegeedu/myuvdizfrqbg5a0yx9vc/SEPA-Group-Photo_May-2024_NH-1.png","width":2200}])
SEPA focuses on engaging students in community development through grant writing as an entrepreneurial endeavor, teaching technical aspects of grant writing and providing hands-on grant writing experience with a local nonprofit agency over the summer.
![Pre-Law Society]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731616273/austincollegeedu/dofoc5ehp3rcpwzfbs0z/Pre-Law-Society-Speaker-Series_DaveFarnum_AV-34.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731616273/austincollegeedu/dofoc5ehp3rcpwzfbs0z/Pre-Law-Society-Speaker-Series_DaveFarnum_AV-34.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731616273/austincollegeedu/dofoc5ehp3rcpwzfbs0z/Pre-Law-Society-Speaker-Series_DaveFarnum_AV-34.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731616273/austincollegeedu/dofoc5ehp3rcpwzfbs0z/Pre-Law-Society-Speaker-Series_DaveFarnum_AV-34.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731616273/austincollegeedu/dofoc5ehp3rcpwzfbs0z/Pre-Law-Society-Speaker-Series_DaveFarnum_AV-34.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731616273/austincollegeedu/dofoc5ehp3rcpwzfbs0z/Pre-Law-Society-Speaker-Series_DaveFarnum_AV-34.jpg","width":2200}])
The Austin College Pre-Law Society seeks to further students’ understanding of the law and the legal profession. To fulfill these objectives, speakers—law professors, judges, lawyers, law students, and politicians—are brought to the campus throughout the year to present programs for the Pre-Law Society.
![The Sumners Foundation Scholarships]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716571935/austincollegeedu/fzvls6xv1ymstgfiif4m/AC_Wynne_ChapelAustinCollege-cropped1x1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716571935/austincollegeedu/fzvls6xv1ymstgfiif4m/AC_Wynne_ChapelAustinCollege-cropped1x1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716571935/austincollegeedu/fzvls6xv1ymstgfiif4m/AC_Wynne_ChapelAustinCollege-cropped1x1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1716571935/austincollegeedu/fzvls6xv1ymstgfiif4m/AC_Wynne_ChapelAustinCollege-cropped1x1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1716571935/austincollegeedu/fzvls6xv1ymstgfiif4m/AC_Wynne_ChapelAustinCollege-cropped1x1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1716571935/austincollegeedu/fzvls6xv1ymstgfiif4m/AC_Wynne_ChapelAustinCollege-cropped1x1.jpg","width":2200}])
Students who major in Political Science or International Relations can compete in their sophomore year for a $30,000 scholarship, divided between their junior and senior years.
Meet our Faculty
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Popular Courses
- American Government and Politics
- Constitutional Law
- International Social Movements
- International Political Economy
- The Presidency
- Public Administration