WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political science studies the world of politics and government. Political scientists study the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, the uses and abuses of power, relations between nations, and many other important topics. Political science is a broad area of study that provides excellent preparation for a variety of career paths in business, government, and the non-profit sector.
Undergraduates
Why major in Political Science? Our students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a wide range of public, private,
and non-profit sector professions.
Learn more.
Graduates
Why Pursue a Master's or Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Utah? Our students gain a versatile set of skills that can be applied in a wide range of
exciting careers.
Learn more.
Scholarships
Scholarship season is in full swing. Have you started your applications yet? Here are a few resources to get you started.
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Three win Faculty Recognition Awards
Congrats to Brent Steele, Sharon Mastracci and James Curry, all from political science, who won Faculty Recognition Awards from the Career & Professional Development Center!
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Team of Interdisciplinary Researchers Receives Grant from Korea Foundation
In partnership with Sun Kyun Kwan University, they will conduct training and implement research on key immigration policy themes.
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Lobell awarded Minerva Research Initiative grant
Steven E. Lobell, political science professor received a $1,179,073 Minerva Research Initiative grant to study near-crises.
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The Costs and Benefits of Hosting the Olympics
Matthew Burbank, professor in the Department of Political Science, shares his expertise in the dynamics of hosting the Olympics as Salt Lake City gears up to welcome the winter games for the second time. His research focuses on why cities pursue hosting the Olympics despite the high costs and uncertain economic returns, as well as the evolving nature of opposition to these bids.
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What the political crisis in Venezuela could mean for Utah
Political Science professor Claudio Holzner was featured in a recent article discussing the political crisis in Venezuela and its impact on migration to the U.S. and Utah. Holzner explained that Utah is an increasingly attractive destination for Venezuelan migrants due to its strong economy and family connections, though local organizations are struggling to support the growing population.
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Exposing myths about ballot collection on Native American reservations
“There is considerable controversy regarding the role of third-party ballot collection in elections,” said Daniel McCool, who has testified as an expert witness in Native American voting rights lawsuits.
