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The political science major at Rollins prepares you for a lifetime of responsible leadership, giving you the tools to lead powerful change in our backyard and around the world.

In small, discussion-based classes, you’ll learn about how the world really works from expert faculty who make your development their No. 1 priority. Along the way, you’ll gain in-demand problem-solving skills—from data analysis and critical thinking to deliberate decision-making and persuasive oral and written communication—and then put your newfound knowledge to work through study-abroad experiences, immersive internships, and collaborative research projects.

Whether you pursue a career in politics and government or business and law, you’ll be uniquely prepared to create lasting positive change.


Why Study Political Science at Rollins

  1. 1

    Emphasis on Communication

    Our focus on persuasive writing, critical analysis, and dynamic public speaking prepares you for a high-impact career and helps you stand out in today’s ever-evolving economy.

  2. 2

    Collaborative Research

    Every student has the opportunity to conduct professional research alongside faculty as an undergrad. Recent projects have examined demographic change, minority voting rights, and the effect of electoral laws on voter behavior.

  3. 3

    Field Studies

    From Cuba and Ecuador to Tanzania and Thailand, our faculty-led field studies let you engage today’s most pressing issues—democracy and economic development, human rights and ecotourism—all around the globe.

Interested in Studying Political Science at Rollins?

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David Bagby ’06

“The political science department at Rollins prepared me not just for graduate school and my career, but also for life as an engaged citizen. I apply the lessons I learned in the classroom daily in Washington, D.C., and am forever grateful for the education I received as a student in the department.”

David Bagby ’06

Legislative Director, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, Vice Chair of the DNC


Rollins Political Science Careers

Rollins political science grads are making tomorrow happen everywhere from Capitol Hill to the courts. Learn more about careers in political science.

  • Self portrait of Libby Schaaf

    Libby Schaaf ’87

    Senior Advisor, Emerge California

  • Self portrait of Steve Leopoldo

    Steve Leopoldo ’04

    Vice President User Experience, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

  • Self portrait of Dan Sallick

    Dan Sallick ’91

    Partner and Founder, Subject Matter

  • Self portrait of Ted Scott

    Ted Scott ’12’13MBA

    Chief of Staff and Corporate Development Manager, Sonobi

  • Self portrait of Gillian Smith

    Gillian Smith ’95

    Chief Marketing Officer, NextNav

  • Self portrait of Jason Dimitris

    Jason Emilios Dimitris ’92

    Judge, Miami-Dade Circuit Court


Real World Experience

Hone the knowledge and skills you’re developing in the classroom through internships and community engagement projects at local, national, and international organizations.

  • United States Congress
  • Project Vote Smart
  • American University
  • Friends of the Environment
  • Dominican Republic
Rollins College students enjoying lunch by the Lakeside pool.

Apply By November 15

It’s never been easier or more rewarding to apply to Rollins. No app fee, formal essay, or test scores required. Apply by November 15 to receive priority consideration for admission and academic scholarships that range from $15,000 per year to full ride.

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Popular Courses

In addition to core studies in American government, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory, you’ll explore topics ranging from sustainable development and climate change politics to Middle Eastern and Latin American politics.


A Day in the Life of a Rollins Political Science Major

“In my Rollins political science courses, I've seen what responsible leadership looks like, analyzed the processes of change at a local, state, national, and international level, and improved my public speaking, persuasive writing and critical thinking skills. And I was able to apply what I learned in class to my summer internship on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.”

Bobby Sena ’24

Florida House Congressional Intern

Skylar Knight ’19 pictured with voting signs on campus.

Beyond the Classroom

The Democracy Project Pull up a chair and discuss hot topics with The Democracy Project, a nonpartisan initiative that empowers you with the knowledge and know-how to engage in our democratic processes.

Ideas in Action Help identify and implement solutions to local problems through The Hive, a regular forum run by IDEAS For Us, a nonprofit founded by Rollins grad Clayton Louis Ferrara ’09.

Refugee in Residence At the only college in Florida providing on-campus housing to refugees, you can volunteer, mentor, or study alongside a family in need—experiencing transformational learning in the process.


Rollins students go on a field study to Tanzania, and venture into the safari in trucks.

Dive Into Political Science at Rollins

The political science major prepares you for a lifetime of challenges, from our backyard in Florida to the far corners of the globe.

What You Will Learn What You Will Learn

Keep Exploring

Take a deeper dive into political science at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.

August 20, 2024

Analyzing the Presidential Race in Florida

Assistant Professor of Political Science, Patrick Rickert, provided expert commentary on Florida's role in the upcoming presidential election on WUCF TV's News Night with Steve Mort.

Analyzing the Presidential Race in Florida
Political science professor Mike Gunter

July 08, 2024

Gunter’s Book on Climate Change Receives Multiple Awards

Political science professor Mike Gunter’s book Climate Travels recently won awards from Foreword magazine and the American Library Association.

Gunter’s Book on Climate Change Receives Multiple Awards
Graphic depicting global challenges.

December 21, 2023

Solving the World’s Greatest Challenges

Rollins graduates earn more than a degree. They gain the knowledge and skills to address large-scale issues like climate change and human rights.

Solving the World’s Greatest Challenges

Expert Faculty

Rollins political science professors boast extensive on-the-ground experience across the globe, including several Fulbright awards. They frequently collaborate with students in the classroom, in the community, and around the world, reflecting a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.

Department of Political Science

Cornell Hall for the Social Sciences
1000 Holt Ave. – 2762
Winter Park, FL32789

Telephone:407.646.2158

Fax:407.646.2155

  • Self portrait of Dexter Boniface

    Dexter Boniface, PhD

    Professor of Political Science, Program Director

    Research interests: Inter-American relations, Brazilian politics, and democracy promotion efforts in Latin America

    Visit site

  • Self portrait of Dan Chong.

    Dan Chong, PhD

    Associate Professor of Political Science

    Research interests: International human rights, global poverty, and peace and conflict resolution

  • Self portrait of Mike Gunter.

    Mike Gunter, PhD

    Department Chair, Professor of Political Science

    Research interests: Global environmental affairs, politics of climate change, and sustainable development

    Visit site

  • Julia Maskivker Website Headshot

    Julia Maskivker, PhD

    Associate Professor of Political Science

    Research interests: Contemporary theories of justice, global ethics, and social and economic citizenship

    Visit site

  • Tahmina Rahman portrait

    Tahmina Rahman, PhD

    Assistant Professor of Political Science

  • Patrick Rickert portrait

    Patrick Rickert, PhD

    Assistant Professor of Political Science

    Research interests: American national institutions, political development, and quantitative methodology.

Professor and students in a class discussion at a Rollins outdoor classroom

See for Yourself

Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.

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