Department of Politics
Department of Politics

Department of Politics

BA Foreign Affairs BA Government Minor Politics Minor

Introduction to the Major

Who should rule? Why do countries go to war? For what reasons do people revolt? How does political power get exercised? Questions like these are at the heart of the study of politics, and answering them is the exhilarating work of our majors. Students who major with the Department of Politics investigate politics from multiple disciplinary angles, gaining a deep understanding of political processes, theories, institutions and policies at local, national and international levels — and the capacity to analyze political and social issues both in and beyond the United States. The department offers two degrees — Government and Foreign Affairs — both taught in small seminars where students and professors think through contemporary political problems together. 

Which Program is Right for Me?

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Foreign Affairs focuses on comparative politics and international relations to understand democracy, representation and conflict resolution — equipping students to navigate the complex landscape of international affairs.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Government explores the intricacies of American politics and the history of political thought, from the origins of liberalism and fascism to global debates about social democracy. 

Amplify Your Major

  • Attend workshops where scholars from around the world share cutting-edge research.
  • Go to events and meet people directly involved in politics and policymaking.
  • Earn credit toward your major through one of many study abroad programs.
  • Join the Humanities Leadership Council and shape programming. 

What Can I Do With My Major

Recent Graduates’ Jobs and Employers 

  • Program and Management Analyst, US Army 
  • Director of US Government Relations, Advocacy Associates 
  • Director of Compliance, UVA Athletics 
  • Political Correspondent, Spectrum News 
  • Director of Communications, Sentara Health 
  • Policy Analyst, US House of Representatives 

Recent Graduate Programs 

  • Georgetown University, Law 
  • Harvard University, Public Policy 
  • Princeton University, Politics 
  • Duke University, Medicine 
  • Fulbright Fellows Program 

“I’ve loved to see how my professors’ passion for their work translated into spirited lectures and seminars dedicated to fearless discussion.” 

Frances Liu, Government major, Class of 2027

See what our graduates are doing on LinkedIn

Alumni Network See what our graduates are up to on LinkedIn

Life of the Major

Department of Politics, BA Government and Foreign Affairs
First Year
  • Advance
    • Choose Engagement Courses that expose you to professors from a range of disciplines. 
    • Take two introductory Politics courses to explore the major’s four subfields. 
    • Review Politics major and College requirements. 
    • Start exploring your options with your pre-major advisor. 
  • Explore
  • Build
    • Sign up for the Politics department mailing list to stay connected with events and opportunities. 
    • Introduce yourself to a Politics professor at a department event. 
    • Explore the Virginia Alumni Mentoring program to connect with Politics alumni working in fields that interest you. 
  • Prepare
Second Year
  • Advance
    • Continue taking introductory Politics courses across the four subfields. 
    • Explore affiliated programs like Political and Social Thought (PST) and Political Philosophy, Policy and Law (PPL). 
    • Meet with your pre-major advisor to map out your remaining requirements. 
    • Once you have completed your pre-requisites, complete your major declaration form. 
  • Explore
    • Visit the International Studies Office to explore study abroad opportunities and learn how courses abroad can count toward your major. 
    • Enroll in a UVA Libraries workshop to build your research skills in political science. 
    • Get involved with political organizations in Charlottesville. 
  • Build
    • Join a club or academic society connected to your interests in politics or public affairs. 
    • Attend office hours to get to know your Politics professors and learn about their research. 
    • Explore UVA’s Public Service Pathways program to connect your Politics training with real-world community impact. 
  • Prepare
    • Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss career options and goals, and begin building a resume. 
    • Connect with alumni in fields that interest you through the Virginia Alumni Mentoring program. 
    • Attend internship fairs and begin exploring summer opportunities. 
Third Year
  • Advance
    • Focus on upper-division Politics coursework, completing most of your electives and related coursework. 
    • Meet with your major advisor to review your degree progress. 
    • Explore the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) as a way to pursue original research with a faculty mentor. 
  • Explore
  • Build
  • Prepare
    • Apply to the Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute if interested in archival research and graduate study. 
    • Explore post-graduate options with advisors and professors — from law and public policy to graduate school and the Foreign Service. 
    • Research admissions exams required for your post-graduate path. 
    • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. 
Fourth Year