The mission of the Department of Political Science at Chapman University is to encourage students to become active and informed global citizens through a distinctive, challenging, and personalized learning environment.  By studying political science, students gain theoretical and practical knowledge of the governing processes at the international, national, state, and local levels through a variety of courses, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.  Major fields of study include American government, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.

Dr. Donald Will
Chair, Department of Political Science
E-mail: will@chapman.edu
Phone: (714) 997-6620

Political Science major, Nicole Tellier ('11) explains her work during a poster session at the Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research at Cal Poly Pomona.

Washington Semester Program

As global citizens and future leaders, Political Science majors are encouraged to study abroad for a semester and/or to take one of the various travel classes offered on campus. Students are also encouraged to become actively involved in the political process by choosing an internship, such as interning for a semester in our nation's capital.

Due to its emphasis on the liberal arts, the overall academic program at Chapman University provides excellent preparation for pre-law students. According to the American Bar Association, there is “no single path” that prepares students for law school. However, political science is one of the most common majors for pre-law students since it is based on the study of government, institutions, and the state, which are all closely related to the study of law. 
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