Welcome to the Department of Political Science at The Citadel.
Our goal is to help students become critical thinkers and successful members of a global community. The Department of Political Science is one of the largest departments at The Citadel. The department is home to about 140+ undergraduate and 23 graduate students. There are 7 full-time faculty members, one visiting Professor and two staff members
Majoring in political science affords students an opportunity to obtain a broad liberal arts education that enriches their lives and acquaints them with the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The courses of study begin with a set of core courses to introduce students to the discipline. Students then have the opportunity to select from lists of specialized electives in their areas of concentration. Students are also encouraged to take courses in related disciplines. These include anthropology, economics, history, psychology and sociology as well as general electives from other departments.
As a central element of a liberal arts education, political science provides preparation for graduate education and for the pursuit of useful and satisfying careers. Our department offers academic majors in political science. In addition, students may focus on subfields related to American government and politics, international politics and military affairs or pre-law and legal studies.
While our faculty represents a wide variety of theoretical and methodological approaches, we share a strong interest in solving the puzzles of contemporary political life. In carrying out its teaching mission, the political science faculty is devoted to providing individualized attention aimed at encouraging students to enhance their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills while further honing real-life skills related to reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Our department encourages all of its cadet majors to undertake study abroad opportunities. These opportunities broaden their horizons and learn about, and from, other cultures and customs in our globalized world. We also support students seeking internships and service-learning opportunities. These experiences provide cadets the opportunity to gain preliminary real-world exposure and experience in their fields of expertise.
Contact us today!
Wanting to learn more? Please explore the links on this site, email us, or visit us in 307 Mims Avenue.
A look at some of the events happening on campus, including Recognition Day, Corps Day, the Symposium on Southern Politics and more.
The Citadel Poll — which was recently launched to survey public perceptions in South Carolina — aims to better understand what is on the minds of voters in the state. 
Mason Hand is a political science major from Greenville, South Carolina. He is a Dean’s List and Gold Stars recipient and is in the Honors Program. Hand is an editor for the Gold Star Journal, Vice Chairman of the Hollings Society and member of the Political Honors Society. He serves as the Regimental Adjutant for the 2022-23 school year. Hand is also a legacy cadet whose father, Michael Hand, ’90, served as First Battalion adjutant.