The Department of Political Science offers B.A., M.A., and  Ph.D. degrees with specializations in American politics, law and courts, and political theory. Known for the quality of their research, the faculty have published in all major political science journals and with leading university presses, have consistently ranked among the most productive in the nation, and have authored several widely used texts. Department faculty have won every major teaching award offered by the University and several Lilly Teaching Fellowships. The Department carefully prepares graduate students for full membership in the academic community. Research and mentoring are an integral part of the graduate program, leading to student participation in regional and national professional meetings, and scholarly publication.

The Department hosts a variety of conferences and research presentations. A highlight each spring is the annual George S. Parthemos Lecture. Lecturers have included John Aldrich of Duke, Richard Brody of Stanford, Richard Fenno of Rochester, William Galston of Maryland, Russell Hardin of Stanford, Ian Shapiro of Yale, and Kenneth Shepsle of Harvard.