The Department of Political Science has an outstanding array of scholar-educators in American politics, human rights, public law, public administration, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, environmental politics, urban politics, political theory and more. It offers both undergraduate and master's degrees. Graduates enter a wide variety of careers in the public and private sectors, while others attend prestigious law schools and graduate programs.

The department also oversees the interdisciplinary human rights studies program, which in incorporates coursework in communication, criminal justice studies, economics, history, languages, philosophy, political science, religious studies and sociology, prepares students for work as advocates for the poor and persecuted, promoting respect for the inherent dignity of all persons.