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Welcome to the Department of Political Science at IUPUI

Political science is one of the most popular courses of study for students in the School of Liberal Arts: we have more than 350 majors, about 30-40 minors, and more than 2500 students enroll in our classes each year - yet we still manage to keep our classes small, with plenty of faculty-student interaction.

The department has 12 full-time faculty and more than 25 part-time faculty, who among them teach undergraduate classes across the whole spectrum of political science. We offer about 50 sections each semester, including introductory and advanced classes in American government, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy. As well as a major and a minor in political science, we also offer a Masters Degree in Political Science, certificate or minor programs in International Studies, Legal Studies, and Paralegal Studies, and a Graduate Certificate in Survey Research.

The Department provides plenty of opportunities for students to become involved in politics and law inside and outside class:

Take part in the Political Science Students Association (Polsa), which is open to all IUPUI students and organizes a variety of events.
If you are thinking about going to law school, take part in our Pre-Law Program and consider enrolling in our legal studies minor.
Work in local or national government through our internship program.
Participate in our biennial Bulen Symposium on US politics, held every election year.
Take part in an intercollegiate simulation of the European Union, or help organize and run the oldest high school Model United Nations in the country.

Our students are given insight into how government works in Indiana, in the United States, and in countries all over the world. They are trained to be critical observers, and informed, active participants, and are prepared for a variety of careers in everything from politics to teaching, law, public administration and business.

For more information on the Department and our courses, contact Department acting chair Scott Pegg or administrative assistant Courtney Abshire.

HOW TO FIND US

We are on the fifth floor of Cavanaugh Hall, in the center of campus, diagonally opposite IU Hospital and south of the University Place Hotel and Conference Center. The Department office is in room 504J.

Department Chair: Margaret Ferguson
Senior administrative secretary: Courtney Abshire.

US politics: Ramla Bandele, Bill Blomquist, Aaron Dusso, Margaret Ferguson, Brian Vargus, David Weiden
Comparative politics: John McCormick, Jasper Sumner
International relations: Scott Pegg, Jasper Sumner, Scott Wallace
Political theory: Jasper Sumner, Brian Vargus
Law: Bill Blomquist, Erin Engels, David Weiden
Public policy: Bill Blomquist, John McCormick
State and local politics: Ramla Bandele, Bill Blomquist, Margaret Ferguson, Brian Vargus

Advisors: All full-time faculty
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Brian Vargus
Director of Graduate Studies: John McCormick
Graduate Certificate in Survey Research: Brian Vargus
Internship coordinator: Ramla Bandele
Pre-law advisor: Erin Engels
Polsa advisor: Cyrus Hayat
Director, Paralegal Studies Program: David Weiden
Pi Sigma Alpha advisor: Scott Wallace

Welcome to the Department of Political Science at IUPUI

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