A leader in the discipline

The Department of Political Science at the University of Iowa is a leader in the discipline, in the state of Iowa, and within the university community. Its faculty include distinguished scholars in all the main fields of Political Science, and its course offerings are correspondingly broad. Whether the topic is Iowa politics, the U.S. government, the governments of myriad foreign countries, or the international system, Iowa students have access to acknowledged experts in their field. These scholars are frequently called upon to interpret political developments for the media, to address community groups, and to advise government bodies.

A hallmark of the department is its tradition of collaboration between faculty and students. Undergraduate as well as graduate students enjoy countless opportunities to learn by doing. New classroom technologies are enhancing the possibilities for collaboration. With the department housed in Schaeffer Hall on the Pentacrest, Political Science students and faculty enjoy classrooms with up-to-date audio and video technology, access to the STF Collaboratory, and a variety of other resources that enhance learning.

Undergraduate study at Iowa is a gateway to a multitude of exciting careers: past students have held the Governorship of Iowa, have served or currently serve in the Iowa legislature, and hold top-level positions in the federal government. Recipients of Iowa Ph.D. degrees join the ranks of the most prominent scholars in the discipline; a recent study revealed that this department ranks seventh in the nation for the research productivity of its Ph.D. recipients. View some of the accomplishments of our distinguished alumni.