Political Science
Welcome to the Department of Political Science
Our students are taught by an outstanding array of scholar-teachers in areas of inquiry that include American politics, public law, public administration, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, environmental politics, urban politics, and political theory.
We offer a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). MPA students also enjoy instruction from experienced practitioners in the field of public administration. Our students go on to many of the most prestigious law schools and graduate programs in the country, and enjoy important careers in both the public and private sectors.
The Nonprofit & Community Leadership graduate certificate is designed for students considering careers in the nonprofit community sector, those interested in developing their leadership capacity, and students interested in community service and public life.
Unique Opportunities
We offer a variety of opportunities for students to get involved on and off campus.
Teaching English in South Korea through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program has special meaning for University of Dayton alumnus Will Landers ’19, who is one of five University students and recent alumni to receive 2020-21 Fulbright awards.
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University of Dayton senior Willow Lopez participated in the 2019 Ralph Bunche Summer Institute where she focused on her research into sexual violence in U.S.-Mexico border communities, and was selected to present her work in August at the American Political Science Association conference in Washington, D.C.
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Most people don’t think about federal, state and local public services — or the people who deliver them — until the mail doesn’t arrive, roads become impassable or garbage isn’t picked up.
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