Aristotle tells us that the science of politics is "the master science in the realm of action" because politics both makes use of and gives direction to other studies. As Aristotle explains, the student of politics is in the special position of examining both universal ideas of justice and particular applications of those ideals, of combining theory with practice.

Students in the Department of Politics may choose one of two majors—Politics and International Relations. Students majoring in Politics complete studies in each of four fields within a discipline (American government, international relations, comparative government, and political theory). The International Relations major offers students an interdisciplinary course of study including bilateral, multilateral and global politics, comparative systems, international law, and regional and universal institutions.

In the senior year, students from both majors are required to produce a significant  piece of original scholarship in a particular area of the student's choice.