Department of Political Science and International Relations

The Department of Political Science and International Relations is committed to the liberal arts tradition of intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and a pluralistic and diverse curriculum. Students will not only graduate with a solid understanding of the theories, practices and institutions of politics, but also with an appreciation of how to create a more just and humane world.

We offer a range of courses that address every corner of the globe and that prepare students to be astute and keen political observers and actors. Through our courses, we provide opportunities for students to improve their critical thinking skills and the ability to read, write, and speak clearly, skills that are central to the liberal arts tradition and that are crucial for students to practice democratic citizenship.

To supplement these courses, we provide internship, community service learning and study abroad opportunities that encourage learning outside of the classroom.

BLM Solidarity Statement from the Department of Political Science and International Relations
We in the Department of Political Science and International Relations stand in solidarity with those calling for justice and exercising their rights to assemble, protest, and challenge structures of white supremacy, police brutality, and state violence. We share in the grief and outrage at the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others who have suffered at the hands of unjust systems that continue to reproduce racial inequity in our country. We also recognize the ongoing pain and anguish experienced by members of our community including our Black students and faculty. We see you, we value you, and we are here for you. We are heartened by the courage and moral commitment of people from every walk of life from Minnesota to San Diego and Germany to New Zealand, putting themselves at risk to demand justice, and in the process validating our belief in the tradition of direct action to advance a more just and democratic community. While we share the desire that justice may be achieved in a peaceful and orderly manner, as political scientists, we are aware that the pursuit of justice is a necessarily disruptive endeavor, and that calls for order are all too frequently denials of the realities of injustice and rejections of substantive change. As such, we denounce the encouragement of state violence and domination in the face of mass demonstrations, as well as the deployment of rhetoric with deep segregationist and white supremacist roots. As political scientists, we are committed to interrogating the ideas, institutions, and behaviors that advance injustice. We are also committed to understanding and strengthening the means by which righteous demands for justice may be realized in practice. As teachers, we recognize the profound responsibility we share to support, educate, and empower our students to ask difficult questions of themselves and their communities and bravely act in pursuit of the ideals of truth, beauty, and goodness that inform our shared vocation. In that capacity we commit to the following steps. We will:

• Reaffirm our support of the efforts of USD Votes to expand voting access and information against the backdrop of systematic racist voter suppression efforts;
• Devote department resources to support the creation of a monthly race and politics series open to the entire USD community in 2020/2021;
• Commit to examining the impact of racial/ethnic difference in the widest possible range of courses offered by the department; and,
• Evaluate our syllabi as individual faculty working to ensure that course texts are not limited to authors from traditionally dominant racial, ethnic, or gender backgrounds.

As inheritors of the Catholic intellectual tradition, we agree with Pope Francis when he states, “It is essential that respect for human dignity and human rights inspire and direct every effort to address the grave situations of war and armed conflict, crushing poverty, discrimination and inequality that afflict our world.” As such, we believe that Black Lives Matter and are committed as scholars and educators not only to speak, but to act boldly to advance that message. The work of achieving justice and democracy is a never-ending task that must be undertaken with a spirit of humility and a sober recognition of the work that must be done within ourselves and our own community. We commit ourselves to perpetual self-examination of our complicity in racial injustice and use that awareness to dedicate ourselves to the fight to eliminate it.

Political Science The Political Science major focuses attention on the shared and contending ideas, values, institutions and processes of public life. Courses range from the specific study of politics in one country or of a single institution or political process (the judiciary, Congress, the presidency or elections), to more general offerings such as courses on political development, revolution, research methods, human rights and legal theory.

International Relations The International Relations major is an interdisciplinary field of study designed for students who seek a holistic understanding of international affairs. The curriculum is rooted in political science and provides students with a strong background in international relations and comparative government.

Why Choose Political Science and International Relations at USD?

Immersive Experience

Multiple opportunities to get out in the field help students stand apart from their peers and in their future job search.

International Focus

Alternative and global perspectives on the U.S. and exposure to different cultures and points of view enhances the curriculum and ensures that students have an informed view of the world.

Close Relationships with Faculty

Faculty are continually cultivating opportunities for students, such as internships, jobs and study abroad opportunities. Faculty often become mentors, friends and colleagues who create an important network for professional development and job placements right out of college.

Access to Active Scholars and Research

Students learn from active scholars who provide up-to-date trends and expertise to their students.

A Wide Variety of Department Sponsored Events

Our department sponsors numerous events throughout the year. Some highlights include:

In the News

Voice of San Diego's Virtual Politifest Runs Sept. 29-Oct. 3
// September 28, 2020
It’s an election year, an important time of year to invest time and attention to the finer details as voters study ballots, pick their…
USD Votes: Take the Time Today, Register to Vote
// September 22, 2020
Do you have about five minutes to spare today? Five very important minutes to do something for you and for others, too?…
USD Conversation: Constitution Day and the 19th Amendment
// September 18, 2020
The University of San Diego’s College of Arts of and Sciences hosted its latest edition of the “USD Conversations” online …