BA in Political Science in Irvine United States | University of California Irvine

As a political science student at UCI, you'll examine political systems across various scales - from individual behavior to global interactions. The program teaches both research methodologies and key findings about political processes while fostering critical analysis and effective writing abilities. Advanced courses cover major disciplines such as American government, comparative political systems, global affairs, constitutional law, and political philosophy. The Political Science Department provides comprehensive coursework ranging from foundational classes to specialized upper-level offerings, structured around four core concentrations: U.S. Government, Political Philosophy, Global Politics, and Comparative Government. Beyond traditional political science subjects, students can take introductory legal studies courses and advanced seminars focusing on specific legal topics. Qualified juniors and seniors may participate in the department's Honors Program, completing their studies with an original research thesis. Our distinguished faculty brings diverse expertise to studying fundamental political science issues including governance systems, civic engagement, political transformations, electoral systems, institutional power, and international diplomacy. Faculty members particularly excel in cross-disciplinary methods, comparative studies, and theories of democracy.