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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Student Spotlight
Tiare Couto, a double major in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Political Science, grew up surfing the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, where her love for the ocean and concern for its health inspired her passion for sustainable change. Tiare is dedicated to addressing environmental racism and creating equitable policies to protect the planet for all communities.
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Censorship and surveillance in the Middle East
Political scientist Yuree Noh’s research tackles the tools of repression used by authoritarian regimes.
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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.
