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Political Science is the systematic study of political behavior. The focus of concern is how people order power, influence and values among themselves. The great political scientist Harold Laswell probably expressed it best when he described the study of politics as the study of who gets what, when, how, and why.

Political Science is both an ancient discipline and one of the newer social sciences. The origin of the study of politics reaches back to the beginnings of society, because inquiries about the nature of government and its leaders, the consequences of government actions, and relationships between states have always been important.

Aristotle characterized politics as "the queen of the sciences," and in his works he classified governments according to their various structures and made predictions about how each of these differently structured governments was likely to behave. Other philosophers have shared Aristotle's political concerns. Machiavelli was an astute student of politics, as was St. Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, and John Stuart Mill.

Sometimes theory and practice are joined, as they were in 1787 when the authors of the Constitution operated as both political theorists (discussing the nature of the state and the individual's relationship to it) and practical politicians (deliberating on the scope and structure of government). Today Political Science has added another focus -- the systematic study of political behavior. This approach developed over the last 60 years and emphasizes the collection and analysis of data in order to explain and predict political behavior.

Political Science is a discipline that combines a strong past rooted in philosophy and a contemporary, scientific approach. The fundamental objective has always remained the same: the search for understanding the major factors which shape our world.

Why study Political Science?

The Greek word "idiot" was used to refer to one who took no interest in the affairs of state. Today, it is incumbent upon all citizens to learn something about the political system in which they will spend their lives. Educated people ought to know something of the nature of government even if they have no professional interest in Political Science.

For those anticipating a career in law, public service, teaching, or business and/or government relations, Political Science is an appropriate and valued major.

Political Science also tends to develop in students the ability to communicate orally and verbally, the ability to think critically and analytically, and the ability to work well with others. These are the types of skills necessary for success in a wide range of careers and in life.

Political Science at the University of Dayton

"We are dedicated to providing an outstanding education for our majors, the flexibility to assist in the formation of our non-majors, and to a significant degree of influence within the communities we serve. We seek to impart to all a deeper commitment to understand and influence the social and political processes and structures that affect our lives." Department of Political Science Mission Statement

The Department of Political Science at the University of Dayton has a 65 year history of service to students. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Masters degree in Public Administration.

Annually, the department has approximately 150 undergraduate majors, approximately half of whom aspire to advanced education within 5 years of graduation. Our students have pursued law degrees, graduate degrees, gone to work in the public and private sectors, and have become involved in politics.