Our department shelters two dynamic programs of study: political science and public administration. These disciplines are diverse in subject matter and methodologies, appealing to the abstract thinker as well as the practical person, to those who wish to pursue careers in government or the nonprofit sector, and to those who seek careers in law or the private sector.

Political science studies the structure, operation and policies of governments, as well as the manner in which communities make demands on governments through political parties, elections, interest group advocacy and public opinion outlets. Political science seeks to understand how communities manage conflict, seek various forms of justice and make collective decisions for the public good.

At Elon, political science majors study American national government, state and local governments; the politics of other countries; international relationships between national governments and nongovernmental organizations; classical theories of politics from Plato to Marx and beyond; and how to apply analytical skills to practical political issues.

Public administration focuses on how governments at all levels are organized, how public officials are hired and function, how public policies are created and administered, and the practical skills applicable to public service careers.

In recent years, the department has expanded the number of courses offered, increased the number of faculty and enhanced the opportunities and challenges presented to students. About 80 percent of students in the department complete internships in locations all over the world. Students have been increasingly successful in student government elections, essay contests and assistantships to graduate school. Departmental majors regularly compete for the prestigious Truman Scholarship for graduate study.