Political Science & International Relations
WELCOME
The Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware offers dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs that explore how power and politics shape societies locally and globally. Led by internationally recognized faculty, the department emphasizes four core fields — International Relations, Comparative Politics, American Politics and Political Theory. Our two majors, International Relations and Political Science, and our many minors encourage interdisciplinary study in areas such as global governance, political psychology, gender and politics and social justice. With a strong focus on student success and real-world engagement, the Department of Political Science and International Relations prepares graduates to lead, research and create change in academia, government and beyond.
Why Political Science & International Relations?
- Legislative Fellows spend a semester working in the Delaware General Assembly for representatives and committees. Students gain valuable insight into state and local politics, make valuable employment connections and earn a stipend.
- Our undergraduate students: Develop important skills like communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and data analysis, which are valuable in politics, government, business and the non-profit sector.
- Graduate and Professional Degrees: Students pursue graduate and professional degrees at prestigious universities in many exciting fields, including architecture, economics and more.
93%
of employers say that “a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major."
Over 700
world leaders and scholars from more than 30 countries have been participants in internationally recognized State Department programs since 2009.
95%
of International Relations majors graduate in four years or less.
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Blue Hens break global education scholarship record
February 09, 2026 | Written by Jack MullarkeyFive UD students earn prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Japan, Hungary and Costa Rica -
Introducing the 2026 Legislative Fellows
February 04, 2026 | Written by Sophonie MilordThe University of Delaware’s Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program celebrates 45 years with sixteen students from UD and Delaware State University who will work with the Delaware General Assembly through June 2026. -
Experiential Learning Award Opens Doors
January 29, 2026 | Written by Chiu-Yin MakEmpowering political science students through internships, research, and real-world engagement -
Combatting a crisis of hope
December 15, 2025 | Written by Hilary DouwesDelaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride discussed hope and coalition building as tools to fight threats to democracy as the speaker at the annual James R. Soles Lecture on the Constitution and Citizenship on Dec. 5.
Upcoming Events
The Class That Will Stay With Me
As the University of Delaware Class of 2025 gets ready for Commencement, we asked seniors what classes had the biggest impact on them during their Blue Hen career. This spring senior Alexandra Mavridis has been working as a Legislative Fellow with the Delaware Senate Majority Caucus. Here’s the class that will stay with her after graduation.
UD 2025 Graduate Alexandra Mavridis shares “The Class That Will Stay With Me”: youtube.com/watch?v=eGwzeqanbhg
Center for Political Communication (CPC)
The CPC is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary center connecting academics, students and the community to relevant issues in political communication. Since its creation, the CPC consistently touches on issues that are part of, or about to be part of, the national conversation. Whether it is racial injustice, climate change, polarization or the future of our democracy, the CPC provides context through courses, research and programs.
