Political Science
Politics: in Theory and in Practice
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.
Unique Opportunities
We offer a variety of opportunities for students to get involved on and off campus.
About the Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science strives to be a highly supportive, dynamic and productive academic department of teacher-scholars. We are dedicated to the formation of intellectually deep, civically-engaged, globally-aware, and ethically-minded students. We accept, in the Catholic and Marianist spirit, the challenge to be distinctive, thoughtful, skilled and service-oriented critics of society and agents of change as they faithfully pursue justice and peace in their individual lives, communities and the world.
As a vibrant academic department in the College of Arts and Sciences grounded in the Catholic and Marianist character of the University of Dayton, we actively serve our various and multiple communities, we produce high quality scholarship within the broad contours of our discipline. We provide an academically rigorous, critical, intellectually diverse, and praxis-oriented set of educational degree programs in political science, human rights studies, and public administration intended to properly educate and equip our students for life-long learning, faithful citizenship and positions of conscientious leadership and service to their professions, community, and the world.
Campus Compact honored the Dayton Civic Scholars program with the 2025 Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement Programming Award.
Two of UD’s top student leaders, President Aila Carr-Chellman and Vice President Stuart Schramm, are former Core fellows.
University of Dayton senior Liam Row spent his summer considering the impacts of artificial intelligence on society.
Jaro Bilocerkowycz is remembered as a passionate teacher, generous colleague and invaluable scholar.