As one of the liberal arts, political science enables students to develop skills in communication and analytic problem solving that are useful in a wide variety of careers, including business. More specifically, the major in political science prepares students for the study of law, graduate programs in political science or public administration or for careers in government, politics, the non-profit sector, or teaching.

Students graduating with a major in political science will have a broad overview of the discipline, as well as substantive familiarity with at least two of the five political science sub-fields: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, law and judicial politics, and political thought. At various points in their study of political science, majors will develop a wide variety of skills, including skills related to the carrying out of research projects, the interpretation of empirical data, and the presentation of their work to a wider audience.

Students majoring in political science must take a minimum of twenty-eight credits in political science at St. Thomas. No more than eight of the credits taken outside of the department shall be numbered 300 or above.

Students minoring in political science must take a minimum of sixteen credits in political science at St. Thomas.

The department also offers courses for non-majors to fulfill the Social Analysis component of the core curriculum.