Mission Statement

The Utah State Political Science Department is dedicated to transmitting the fundamentals of political science to a broad community through innovative teaching, respected research, andcommitted service to improve the community, the state,the nation and beyond.

As a discipline, Political Science is committed to introduce students to the core questions of the liberal arts by encouraging them to reflect on the demands, sometimes contradictory, that inevitably fall on them as citizens and as human beings. No civilized society exists without government, and no modern government can survive without relating to its citizens. Political Science attempts to articulate and elevate students' experience, to teach them to think critically, to analyze, and to rationalize their opinions as citizens.

We break down our general mission into the following goals:

1. To serve the Political Science educational needs of the University, the State, the nation and the world as we encounter those needs.

2. To enhance and reward the most effective research program possible for each faculty member.

3. To contribute to the policy, constitutional, and theoretical understanding of decision making in our communities, the state, and beyond through outreach and service activities and through media and public education efforts.

4. To obtain adequate resources to ensure the continued fulfillment of professional and educational objectives of the department.

5. To enhance career opportunities and professional development of our students through internship experience, career seminars and participation in Pi Sigma Alpha.