The Department of Politics features internationally known faculty, rigorous methods training and countless research and co-op opportunities.
Political science at its core looks at the distribution of power: in world capitals, between states and in our everyday lives. The Department of Politics at Drexel University trains students in research methods and offers countless opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom through the Drexel Co-op program, undergraduate research opportunities and interdisciplinary work. The department offers several graduate and undergraduate degrees, including the BA in Political Science and the BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Political Science Major Curriculum
Drexel’s political science curriculum begins with a focus on methods training. Students take a course in the fundamentals of research and research design in their first year, and progress to upper-level classes in both quantitative and qualitative training. Our research methods sequence prepares students studying politics at Drexel to design and execute their own projects, inspired by whatever political problems intrigue them. Students are taught how to gather, analyze and interpret statistics, how to conduct interviews and how to use archives and other research material to thoroughly analyze political problems — preparing students for a variety of careers.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Major Curriculum
A joint endeavor of the School of Economics, the Department of Politics and the Department of English and Philosophy, the BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics provides a multidisciplinary foundation for students who want to address the complex, interconnected challenges of contemporary life. Students in the program build on a foundation of rigorous philosophical thought, applied research skills, and scientifically grounded political and economic theory. Each discipline enhances the others by providing complementary and critical perspectives.
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Department of Politics Research
All of Drexel’s political science faculty are active researchers whose work is published in various books, articles and reports. The faculty has particular research strengths in urban politics; electoral systems; human rights; security studies; conflict studies; politics of policing; and science, technology, and environmental politics. The department encourages faculty-student research collaborations, especially through research assistantships and independent studies. Several students have coauthored work with our faculty that have been published in various venues, including journal articles and book chapters. Interested students should contact the department administrator.
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“In the end, when you’re turning the tassel on your cap, or accepting a job offer based on a connection you made while on co-op, or even getting admissions letters from graduate schools, you’ll realize, Drexel was all worth it.”Elgin Ford, Jr.BA political science, minor economics ’17