Welcome to the Department of Political Science and Geography at Â鶹´«Ã½! As the new Chair, I'm delighted to introduce you to our dynamic department, where we are committed to high-quality research, engaged scholarship, and innovative teaching. I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our distinguished faculty, diverse course offerings, and the exciting opportunities available in our programs.
Our department has seen significant growth in recent years, from the size of our student body and number of graduates to the breadth of courses and faculty members to grants. We are excited to continue this upward trajectory, fostering an environment where students can thrive and make a real impact.
Explore Our Programs:
Geography
Our Geography programs (BA and BS) delve into the critical spatial dimensions of our world. Students gain a deep understanding of how physical and human systems interact, preparing them to address pressing global challenges. We place a strong emphasis on geospatial analysis, including GIS (Geographic Information Systems), remote sensing, cartography and GeoAI, providing students with cutting-edge analytical tools. Our curriculum also focuses on contemporary urban and environmental issues, coastal resilience, geospatial applications, and equipping graduates to contribute to sustainable solutions in an ever-changing world. A degree in Geography opens doors to careers in business, government, teaching, and further graduate study.
Political Science
In Political Science, our BA and BS programs explore the fundamental questions that shape human society, examining the intricate relationships between citizens, governments, and institutions. We emphasize understanding how political and social conflicts can be resolved and the impact of governmental actions. Our faculty expertise and course offerings are particularly strong in the areas of elections and voter behavior, state and local politics, and environmental politics. Our graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in government, the public and private sectors, law school, and graduate programs.
International Studies
Our interdisciplinary International Studies programs span undergraduate to masters and doctoral levels, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of global dynamics. We focus on critical areas such as security and conflict, comparative politics, international political economy and development, and modeling and simulation. Through rigorous coursework and engaged scholarship, students develop the analytical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, preparing them for careers in international organizations, government, non-profits, and academia.
We invite you to reach out to our department with any questions about our programs. We look forward to connecting with you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Allen
Professor of Geography and Chair of Political Science and Geography