Political science is a very vibrant major at Sacred Heart University. Currently, our program has over 100 declared full-time majors. The political science program has experienced phenomenal growth during the past five years, with the number of declared majors nearly doubling in size. Such impressive growth can be attributed to a very student-centered political science faculty, as well as the rising relevance of government and politics in the twenty-first century. The Department of Government and Politics consists of four full-time faculty and one half-time visiting professor. Several political science faculty are widely published and nationally known for their scholarship.‎

The Political Science program at Sacred Heart University has established several learning outcomes for the student who matriculates as a political science major, or minor. Political science students will demonstrate an understanding of American constitutional principles, the American political system, and the history of political thought.

Political science students will demonstrate an understanding of the governing structures of one distinct geopolitical region outside of the United States and an awareness of the fundamental principles and issues associated with global politics.

Political science students will also demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between politics and ethics

Most importantly, political science students will demonstrate an ability to conduct discipline-based research and develop their ability to read, write and think critically.

As evidence of student learning, the Department uses a wide range of exams, papers, and research projects.

Mission
The Political Science faculty considers democratic governance as the key to civilization, and ethics as central to democratic life. The curriculum is intended to impress upon students an appreciation for liberal arts and its associated skills: reading with comprehension, reasoning with logic, and communicating with clarity.

We affirm that the liberal arts tradition provides our graduates with the knowledge, abilities, and values required to compete and succeed in the global economy.‎