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Why Political Science at URI?

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Our faculty are winners of prestigious research and teaching awards, national fellowships, and leading researchers in areas ranging from post-Cold War Russian relations and technology’s impact on political campaigns to global human rights. Just imagine what they can teach you.Political science continues to be the most popular major for students pursuing a degree in law, and we offer a customized pre-law program if that’s your path. Our curriculum focuses on building advanced research skills, giving you a big advantage with grad programs. Our department also offers two Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) program options to either our M.A. in Int’l Relations or our accelerated online Master of Public Administration graduate programs.
Unlike most majors, experiential learning is a required part of our undergraduate curriculum. We also offer a number of internships and experiential learning opportunities, such in RI Government—or if international politics is your thing, we strongly encourage you to study abroad or apply for a research internship in our U.S. Naval War College Internship Program, which is located in Newport, RI.

Academic Programs


We offer a vibrant and rigorous academic community of over 500 students with four dynamic programs—undergraduate majors in Political Science and International Studies, a Master’s in International Relations, and a NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration.

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Internships


Students gain hands-on experience through internship opportunities at the Rhode Island Governor’s Office, State and Local Governments, in Washington, D.C., at the Naval War College, with the Gender and Security Sector Lab at Cornell University, and with the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies.

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People


Our award-winning faculty are nationally recognized for their research and teaching. Faculty have earned prestigious fellowships and accolades, fostering a community where cutting-edge research meets real-world practice. Just imagine what they can teach you.

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