Virginia Tech Department of Political Science

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Virginia Tech Department of Political Science

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The Facebook home of Virginia Tech's Department of Political Science and International Studies Program.

Welcome to Virginia Tech's Department of Political Science, which also houses the Program in International Studies. The Department offers multiple undergraduate majors and minors in Political Science and International Studies, as well as a master's degree in Political Science. The Department is also home to the award-winning Online MA Program in Political Science (OLMA), the first graduate degree at Virginia Tech offered completely online.

10/27/2026

A recent article published in the New York Times shows graduates from the department of political science earn well above the median income of $64,500. 👏

These findings are based on data collected from over 20,000 programs around the country. Median income earnings are gathered from I.R.S. tax records for students who graduated from a particular program in 2017–18 or 2018–19.

Talk to one of our amazing advisors today about the opportunities a degree in Political Science provides!📚

10/23/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jay Burkette as an Instructor in the Department of Political Science this semester! 👏

Jay specializes in the fields of security theory and practice, international relations, conflict studies, political and cultural analysis, and normative theory. 📚

His interdisciplinary course offerings have included grand strategy analysis, regional and international security, strategies of war, special topics in history, leadership theory and practice, and moral philosophy.

He is also a core team member of the experiential and bridge learning program for the department, providing undergraduate research opportunities and internship mentoring to facilitate student success. 📖📝

We are delighted to have Jay teaching and working with students in our department!🧡

10/19/2026

Looking for a winter course to fulfill a major or pathways requirement? 📚

Swipe through some of our amazing offerings this winter, and take the class that fits your interests and requirements! ⏭️

Cozy up to the fire this winter and learn more about political theory, national security, world politics, global economics, and authoritarianism! ❄️

Courses offered:
PSCI 2014: Introduction to Political Theory🏛️
PSCI/IS 2054: Introduction to World Politics 🗺️
PSCI/IS/GEOG 2064: Global Econ and World Politics 💵🌍
PSCI/IS 3115: Authoritarianism, Ancient and Modern 📚
PSCI/IS 3125: Intelligence and National Security 🔐

10/16/2026

Our last student highlight is Leighton Gibson! 🎉

Leighton's research interests are in Nuclear Politics, Securitization Theory, and National Security Policy.📚

He was was drawn to the master's program because of Virginia Tech's global reputation as a research institution and its commitment to service. Leighton hopes to use his degree to one day become a White House National Security Adviser🧡

🏡Hometown/Calls Home: Alleghany County, Virginia
🏫 Undergrad: Virginia Tech
📚 Research Interests: Nuclear Politics, Securitization Theory, and National Security Policy
🏐 Hobbies: I play semi-professional grass volleyball, I enjoy lifting and working out, and cooking for myself and my loved ones

10/14/2026

Next up: Juan Cruz! 🎉

Juan's research interests are in contemporary political theory and Marxism.📚

He was was drawn to the master's program because of it's strong reputation and it offers a unique opportunity for him to work closely with a variety of faculty from various subfields. He plans to use his degree to continue working in academia.🧡

🏡Hometown/Calls Home: Miami, Florida
🏫 Undergrad: Florida International University
📚 Research Interests: Contemporary political theory and Marxism
🧗‍♀️📖 Hobbies: I like reading fiction to offset some of the academic writing I read

10/12/2026

Next up: Karol Pucek! 🎉

Karol's research interests are in contemporary political theory and feminist thought.📚

She was was drawn to the program based on the faculty's research focuses! She plans on using her degree to continue working in academia.🧡

🏡Hometown/Calls Home: Wittstock, Germany
🏫 Undergrad: Alma College
📚 Research Interests: Contemporary political theory and feminist thought
🧗‍♀️📖 Hobbies: Reading, arts and crafts, rock climbing

10/09/2026

Next up: Benjamin Dickinson! 🎉

Benjamin's research focuses on American Politics, political communication, and research Methods.📚

He was was drawn to the wonderful teaching and research opportunities our program provides! He plans on using his degree to pursue his dream of one day becoming a professor.🧡

🏡Hometown/Calls Home: Petersburg, VA
🏫 Undergrad: University of Mary Washington
📚 Research Interests: American Politics; Political Communication; Research Methods
♟️🎥 Hobbies: I like to play chess, watch classic films, and play any sport with a racket!

10/08/2026

Up next is Nick Johnson!🎉

Nick was drawn to Virginia Tech because he wanted to continue his education in Political Science and Virginia Tech was now his second home, so he felt he had to apply here!📚🧡

He hopes to write his thesis on legislative procedures and judicial interference. Nick's dream job My dream job is to be a policy analyst in a position where he can make the world a better place. 🌍🧡

🏡 Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
🏛️ Undergrad Institution/Major: Virginia Tech
📚 Research Interests: legislative procedures and judicial interference
🏋️‍♀️🍝 Hobbies: I enjoy weight lifting, reading, and cooking fine cuisine.

10/07/2026

Are you looking to apply for the Political Science master’s program this year or in the future? 🏛️

Do you like pizza?🍕

The Political Science Master’s program at Virginia Tech will hold an information session on October 15th from 11am-12pm.📆

Grab a slice of pizza and meet with current master’s students and the director of the program, Dr. Karin Kitchens, to learn more about the Political Science MA or the BA to MA Accelerated program at Virginia Tech!

We can also answer any questions you have about the application process and the program, such as required courses, GPA, thesis requirements, and the opportunities after graduation the degree provides. 📚

We look forward to seeing you on October 15th!🎉

10/06/2026

Meet Corabeth Pierce! The first of our 7 first year M.A. students we are highlighting!🎉

Corabeth was drawn to the freedom the program provided for her research and thesis writing. This enables her to specialize in her chosen field of interest.📚

She is currently exploring the area of security studies, her research in the past has led her to the Middle East and North Africa region which is where she hopes to continue growing as a researcher and academic. Corabeth hopes to use her experience and degree to one day become a Foreign Service Officer in the Department of State.🧡

🏡 Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
🏛️ Undergrad Institution/Major: Hollins University
📚 Research Interests: security studies, my research in the past has led me to the Middle East and North Africa region
📖 🍞 Hobbies: I love reading for fun, needlepointing, drawing, and baking.

Address

Blacksburg, VA
24061

Website

http://www.psci.vt.edu/

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