If you choose to major in political science public service, your curriculum will help you focus specifically on how policy is formulated, implemented, evaluated and interpreted. You will begin your studies with fundamental courses in contemporary political science and the historical foundations of modern politics. At the upper-division level, you will study a broad range of topics in political theory, American government and institutions, public law, and international relations and comparative political systems. You could focus on a specific area of policy, such as urban or environmental policy. You'll also complete a required internship with a political, governmental or non-profit organization related to your interests. Political science is the study of politics and political systems at the local, national, and international levels. It concerns not only the institutions of government but also the analysis of such phenomena as political behavior, political values, political change and stability, parties, pressure groups, bureaucracies, administrative behavior, justice, national security, and international affairs.
Both the proximity of UC Davis to the state capitol and the programs offered by the UC Washington Center afford exceptional internship possibilities in local, state, and national government offices, providing students with actual experience in politics and government service while still attending school. A student who majors in political science acquires research and analytic skills relevant to many professional fields. Consequently, the majors offered in political science are valuable not only in providing students with a better understanding of politics and political systems, but also as a first step toward careers in teaching, law, management, government, urban planning, journalism, politics, administration, or for graduate studies in numerous fields.
