• Exterior view of Oak Hall.

The UConn Department of Political Science studies how the political process shapes the choices we face as a community.

We offer academic programs that bridge the humanities and social sciences. Our cutting-edge research reflects our commitment to methodological and intellectual openness and diversity. Our community provides a bedrock for academic exploration and intellectual engagement at the University.

 

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Undergraduates

Students can pursue a major, minor, or fast-track master's in political science.

 
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Graduates

Our department offers Ph.D., master's degree, and graduate certificate options.
 
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Research

Our researchers expand boundaries and bring their knowledge to the classroom.
 
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Administration

Find contact information for our Department's administrators and staff members.
 
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News

  • Faculty Achievements: Early Spring 2024
    Prof. Beth Ginsberg (accompanied by Prof. Jane Gordon) took several POLS students to New Hampshire in January after receiving a generous grant from UCONN Provost Anne D’Alleva. The purpose of this trip was to explore and better understand the 1st in the country presidential primary process in NH. The group was able to meet with […]
    Posted on February 15, 2024

Upcoming Events

  1. Oct 14 Project 2025: Authoritarian Ambition 6:00pm
  2. Oct 16 Law School Fair 12:00pm
  3. Oct 16 Beyond UConn: POLS Majors Who Have Applied to National Opportunities 3:00pm
  4. Oct 16 Ballot and Bash 6:00pm
  5. Oct 30 Pizza and Politics 4:00pm
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Please join us for Historic Firsts: The 2024 Presidential Election!

What is the significance of the Nov. 5, 2024 election in US history and politics? What should voters pay attention to as they vote? Three distinguished experts from the University of Connecticut will discuss these issues ...and answer questions about the upcoming election!

Ever seen an announcement for a nation-wide opportunity in the PWB or elsewhere and wondered how people do that? Join POLS majors James Shiang, Taylor Moran, and Mariam Vargas as they talk about their experiences finding, applying to, and taking part in national programs! This event will take plac ...on Wednesday, 10/16 at 3pm, via WebEx (link in our bio). Hope to see you there!

Spring 2025 Registration is rapidly approaching! Here are a few helpful tips to make sure you're on the right track.

Are you a POLS Major interested in going abroad? Join Polina Boily from the EGL office on Wednesday, October 9th to learn more about our study abroad programs!

Join us Wednesday, October 2nd in SHH 408 for another one of our Pizza and Politics events! Come chat with others in the POLS department about current events, while eating pizza. This event is open to everyone and will take place from 4-5pm. We hope to see you there!

In January 2024 Dr. Ginsberg took her POLS 3991 class to New Hampshire to experience the first of the country's primaries. Based on that trip, DMD major Dorian Robinson wrote and directed a documentary called "Immersion", which was nominated for Best Documentary, Achievement in ...Directing (Documentary), and Best Student Film at the Bridgeport Film Festival, and won Best Documentary. It also won an award in the Professional Documentary category at the Connecticut Art Director’s Club Awards. To view the film, visit the link in our bio!

Join us Wednesday, September 25th for a Braver Angels event! Braver Angels, created by a UConn alumnus, is a cross-partisan, grassroots volunteer-led organization that helps people learn how to bridge the divide. Craig Diamond and Al Smith will introduce Braver Angels and discuss political ...polarization, while Bryan Paul will discuss the Braver Angels college debate program and engage students in a “mini” Braver Angels debate. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP through the link in our bio!

Join us on Wednesday, 9/25 to learn more about the CGA Legislative Internship Program! Ms. Angie Waszkiewicz, Director of the CT Legislative Internship Program, will be on campus to answer your questions on the application process and the program itself. Hear from former interns as well!

Join us on Thursday, 9/19 in SHH 112 for an event on How to Run an Election! Anne Greineder and Vera Ward, the Registrars of Voters for Mansfield, CT, will be giving a talk on local election administration. They also will be recruiting poll workers for paid positions. Hope to see you there!