Political Science and International Relations Clubs and Honors Societies

Model United Nations is a student-led activity in which participants learn to simulate the workings of the United Nations and its various agencies. Our delegates attend several conferences each semester alongside representatives from other universities. Students regularly attend conferences in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, and represent USD annually at the two premier North American conferences (both hosting delegations from around the world): Harvard University National MUN, and New York MUN (with sessions in the UN General Assembly). Model UN is open to all USD students, and students may enroll in the one-credit course POLS 480 (which is repeatable, open to all students, and counts as an elective toward the POLS and IREL majors) to help them prepare for conferences.

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The purpose of the University of San Diego (USD) College Democrats will be to pursue the ideas of liberty, justice, and freedom for all regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, ability, religion (or lack thereof), gender identity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. We shall pursue these ideas through support of the candidates and ideas of the Democratic Party.

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The USD College Republicans hope to serve as the hub of conservative values and activism on campus. To achieve this end, the CRs strive to bring conservative speakers to campus, help students of all political viewpoints register to vote, engage in organized, civil debate with fellow on-campus political organizations, assist students in finding conservative internships and campaign positions, and encourage active participation in our democracy at both the national and local levels.

We strive to be a Big Tent party, and as such, our members do not take a litmus test. Regardless of your political opinions on a certain issue, there is a place for you in College Republicans.

USD College Republicans shall register itself with the appropriate National and State chapters so as to operate as an official campus chapter of the College Republican National Committee (CRNC). 

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USD Votes is a committee composed of students, faculty, and administrators who support the mission of the University of San Diego by working to increase civic awareness and voter participation in the USD community.

We participate in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement, and use the information collected in that study to guide our efforts to register voters on campus.

2018/2014 NSLVE report for the University of San Diego
2016/2012 NSLVE report for the University of San Diego
2014/2012 NSLVE report for the University of San Diego

USD participates in two college voter-participation competitions. We participate in the All In Campus Democracy Challenge. We received a Bronze Seal for having voter turnout above 50% in 2016, and a Gold Seal for having voter turnout above 40% in 2018.

Join us
Follow our Instagram account @usdvotescampaign, where we frequently post updates and highlight members of our USD community. 

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Pi Sigma Alpha is the only nationally recognized political science honor society. There are more than 500 chapters in universities across the country with more than 6,000 students joining each year. The Theta Mu Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha at the University of San Diego was established in 1977 and over the years, hundreds of USD students have joined. The chapter has sponsored debates and seminars on important political issues and has worked with other campus organizations to help coordinate events.

Read our Chapter's Constitution.

Eligibility

Each year faculty/student dinners provide an opportunity to socialize and discuss issues in a more informal environment. Upon joining Pi Sigma Alpha, you are a member for life and are eligible for various scholarships and awards.

To become a nationally recognized member,

• you must have an overall 3.2 GPA as well as a 3.2 GPA in either a political science or international relations major
• In addition, two upper and two lower-division classes in political science must be completed.

Membership

• Dues are $70

Apply now

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