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Learn the Rules

Change the Game

Why Politics Matter?

Politics Structures The World You Live In: 

  • Your rights Your communities
  • Your economy
  • Your environment
  • Your digital life
  • Your future 

Studying political science gives you the tools to understand these forces and the confidence to influence them. 

You examine ethics, justice, power, belief, technology, globalization, and the systems that determine how societies function. 

You learn how people organize, how decisions get made, and how change happens.

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Explore Our Programs

Political Science BA
Poitical Science Minor
Human Rights Studies Minor
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Careers that Change the World

Political science graduates succeed in a wide range of fields such as: 

  • Law, legal services, advocacy
  • Public policy, government service, legislative work
  • Diplomacy, international relations, intelligence, and national security
  • Nonprofits, community organizations, NGOs
  • Journalism, communications, media
  • Business, management, consulting, corporate public affairs
  • Education, teaching credential pathways
  • Research, policy analysis, social impact, and public service roles

 

Discover our Internship Opportunities

Study and Practice Politics Away

Our students regularly participate in high-impact CSU programs in our nation’s capitals: 

  • Sacramento: Legislative and executive internships.
  • Washington, D.C.: Professional development and networking.

Department Highlights & Updates

The political science program at Sonoma State University offers excellent opportunities for the study of government and politics.

They are trained in the appropriate research techniques for the study of political processes.

News

POLS 314
POLS 314 Class Flyer Spring 2026

View the class flyer for POLS 314 in Spring 2026 here

Summer Ireland Course 2026
Study Abroad in Ireland SUMMER 2026 through POLS 487

Information session November 13, 12-1 PM, International Hall 107 for travel June 1-16

Sonoma State kicks off voter engagement series
Featured Faculty Member

Check out our featured faculty member, Dr. Emily Ray, the new Director of the Faculty Mentorship Program at Sonoma State. 

California State Capital
Need California State & Local Government Credit?

The Political Science department offers an opportunity to take the CA State & Local Challenge Exam each semester!

Research on Abortion Laws and Quality of life for Women

Please see Dr. Boaz's faculty page or the Research page for more information.

University Academic Calendar

See important dates for the current academic year.

Alumni Changing the Game