College of Social and Behavioral Science
Address: Carolyn and Kem Gardner Building
260 Central Campus Drive, RM 3345
SLC UT 84112
Phone: 801-581-7031
Website: www.poli-sci.utah.edu

 Department Chair: Claudio Holzner, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Coordinator: Jen Wozab
Undergraduate Advisors: Vanessa Vicente

 Political science is the systematic study of governments, policies, institutions, and political behavior. It is the academic field that examines how power is exercised at local, state, national, and international levels. Political scientists use a variety of methods (historical, statistical, philosophical) to address fundamental topics central to public life, such as democracy, race, class, inequality, justice, gender, disability, ethnicity, sexual identity, participation, conflict, citizenship, authority, protest and social change. Students who major in Political Science acquire valuable skills in communication and analysis. An undergraduate degree in political science can lead to a career in business, government, law, media, education, or public service, among others.

The Political Science Department offers graduate and undergraduate study in five subfields of the discipline: American government and politics, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, and public administration. The department is known for its large number of outstanding teachers. Many internship opportunities and special lectures are available through the department's association with the Hinckley Institute of Politics.

As political scientists, we unequivocally assert that black lives matter, and we stand in uniform support against ongoing acts of oppression and violence toward all Black, Indigenous, and other Peoples of Color. The department reaffirms its commitment to create an environment where all individuals treat each other with respect and dignity. Racism cannot be tolerated and it has no place in our communities, including our classrooms and our campus.  

Undergraduate Program

Please see the Political Science B.A., B.S., H.B.A., H.B.S., Minor and Campaign Management Minor listed in the Program and Course Offerings section.

Graduate Program

Please see the Political Science M.A., M.S., M. Phil, and Ph.D. listed in the Program and Course Offerings section.

Admission Requirements
There are additional admission requirements for these degrees. Please see the program pages for more information.