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.
Quick Links
Undergraduates
Students can pursue a major, minor, or fast-track master's in political science.
Graduates
Our department offers Ph.D., master's degree, and graduate certificate options.
View Programs
Research
Our researchers expand boundaries and bring their knowledge to the classroom.
View Research
Administration
Find contact information for our Department's administrators and staff members.
View Directory
News
- The Price of Empire: American Entrepreneurs and the Origins of America’s First Pacific EmpireCambridge University Press, 2024Posted on June 7, 2024
- Toppling Trump: How Party Elites Steered Joe Biden to the Democratic Nomination and Victory in the 2020 Presidential ElectionSpringer Publishing, 2024Posted on June 1, 2024
- Faculty Achievements: Early Spring 2024Prof. 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
-
Oct
14
Project 2025: Authoritarian Ambition 6:00pm
Project 2025: Authoritarian Ambition
Monday, October 14th, 2024
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Women’s Center
Chris Vials, Professor and Director of American Studies, will review its key elements of Project 2025 and devote special attention to how it rationalizes authoritarianism and what that would mean for our country and our rights.
-
Oct
16
Law School Fair 12:00pm
Law School Fair
Wednesday, October 16th, 2024
12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Student Union
-
Oct
16
Beyond UConn: POLS Majors Who Have Applied to National Opportunities 3:00pm
Beyond UConn: POLS Majors Who Have Applied to National Opportunities
Wednesday, October 16th, 2024
03:00 PM
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!
-
Oct
16
Ballot and Bash 6:00pm
Ballot and Bash
Wednesday, October 16th, 2024
06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Student Union
Join us as our alumni take the stage for a debate and town hall on the 2024 Presidential Election!
-
Oct
30
Pizza and Politics 4:00pm
Pizza and Politics
Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
04:00 PM
Susan V. Herbst Hall (Formerly Oak Hall)
Follow us on Instagram!
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!