Political Science
The political science major at Rollins prepares you for a lifetime of responsible leadership, giving you the tools to lead powerful change in our backyard and around the world.
In small, discussion-based classes, you’ll learn about how the world really works from expert faculty who make your development their No. 1 priority. Along the way, you’ll gain in-demand problem-solving skills—from data analysis and critical thinking to deliberate decision-making and persuasive oral and written communication—and then put your newfound knowledge to work through study-abroad experiences, immersive internships, and collaborative research projects.
Whether you pursue a career in politics and government or business and law, you’ll be uniquely prepared to create lasting positive change.
Why Study Political Science at Rollins
Emphasis on Communication
Our focus on persuasive writing, critical analysis, and dynamic public speaking prepares you for a high-impact career and helps you stand out in today’s ever-evolving economy.
Collaborative Research
Every student has the opportunity to conduct professional research alongside faculty as an undergrad. Recent projects have examined demographic change, minority voting rights, and the effect of electoral laws on voter behavior.
Field Studies
From Cuba and Ecuador to Tanzania and Thailand, our faculty-led field studies let you engage today’s most pressing issues—democracy and economic development, human rights and ecotourism—all around the globe.
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“The political science department at Rollins prepared me not just for graduate school and my career, but also for life as an engaged citizen. I apply the lessons I learned in the classroom daily in Washington, D.C., and am forever grateful for the education I received as a student in the department.”
Rollins Political Science Careers
Rollins political science grads are making tomorrow happen everywhere from Capitol Hill to the courts. Learn more about careers in political science.
Libby Schaaf ’87
Senior Advisor, Emerge California
Steve Leopoldo ’04
Vice President User Experience, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Dan Sallick ’91
Partner and Founder, Subject Matter
Ted Scott ’12’13MBA
Chief of Staff and Corporate Development Manager, Sonobi
Gillian Smith ’95
Chief Marketing Officer, NextNav
Jason Emilios Dimitris ’92
Judge, Miami-Dade Circuit Court
Real World Experience
Hone the knowledge and skills you’re developing in the classroom through internships and community engagement projects at local, national, and international organizations.
See for Yourself
Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.
Popular Courses
In addition to core studies in American government, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory, you’ll explore topics ranging from sustainable development and climate change politics to Middle Eastern and Latin American politics.
POL 332 International Human Rights
Examine the theories, politics, and laws that shape our understanding of human rights around the world. Along the way, you’ll engage with issues such as gender, culture, refugees, and modern slaves.
POL 302 The Politics of Global Poverty
Explore political dynamics in developing areas such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America, paying special attention to policies that address extreme poverty.
POL 346 Voting and Elections
Investigate electoral behavior in the U.S., including explanations for why people vote the way they do, contemporary trends, and how media and money affect election outcomes.
POL 353 Foreign Policy of the U.S.
Assess the decision-making power of various stakeholders while asking whether U.S. foreign policy is reactive. Also explore nuclear security, arms control, trade relations, foreign aid, New World Order, and North-South issues.
POL 351 International Security
Analyze how international security is changing global interactions and how the world can adjust while also examining causes of war and conditions that promote peace.
POL 382 Constitutional Law
Delve into major U.S. Supreme Court decisions in order to understand the judicial system’s role in our government. Topics range from judicial review to constitutional protection of property.
A Day in the Life of a Rollins Political Science Major
“The political science major provided me with both a theoretical and practical understanding of politics, with a focus on real-world applications. I gained valuable academic knowledge as well as knowledge of the world beyond the classroom.”
Beyond the Classroom
The Democracy Project Pull up a chair and discuss hot topics with The Democracy Project, a nonpartisan initiative that empowers you with the knowledge and know-how to engage in our democratic processes.
Ideas in Action Help identify and implement solutions to local problems through The Hive, a regular forum run by IDEAS For Us, a nonprofit founded by Rollins grad Clayton Louis Ferrara ’09.
Refugee in Residence At the only college in Florida providing on-campus housing to refugees, you can volunteer, mentor, or study alongside a family in need—experiencing transformational learning in the process.
Dive Into Political Science at Rollins
The political science major prepares you for a lifetime of challenges, from our backyard in Florida to the far corners of the globe.
Keep Exploring
Take a deeper dive into political science at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.
December 21, 2023
Solving the World’s Greatest Challenges
Rollins graduates earn more than a degree. They gain the knowledge and skills to address large-scale issues like climate change and human rights.
September 01, 2023
Gunter’s Book on Climate Change Featured in Yale Climate Connections
Political science professor Mike Gunter’s book Climate Travels has been featured in a Yale Climate Connections article.
March 16, 2023
Gunter Publishes Third Book on Environmental Concerns
From ecotourism to ecoactivism, Mike Gunter’s latest book urges readers not only to spend time in and appreciate America’s natural wonderlands but also to help preserve them.
Expert Faculty
Rollins political science professors boast extensive on-the-ground experience across the globe, including several Fulbright awards. They frequently collaborate with students in the classroom, in the community, and around the world, reflecting a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
Department of Political Science
Telephone: 407.646.2158
Fax: 407.646.2363
Dexter Boniface, PhD
Professor of Political Science
Research interests: Inter-American relations, Brazilian politics, and democracy promotion efforts in Latin America
Dan Chong, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science; Director, Social Innovation Major
Research interests: International human rights, global poverty, and peace and conflict resolution
Mike Gunter, PhD
Professor of Political Science
Research interests: Global environmental affairs, politics of climate change, and sustainable development
Julia Maskivker, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
Research interests: Contemporary theories of justice, global ethics, and social and economic citizenship
Tahmina Rahman, PhD
Assistant Professor of Political Science