The GVPT major combines philosophical and scientific concerns in its overall program as well as in specific courses. It emphasizes such broad areas as political development, policy analysis, social justice, political economy, conflict, and human rights. These broad conceptual areas are integral components of study in the discipline. Students may choose between two curriculums, one leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree (formal concentration in International Relations available) and the other to a Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics prepares students to understand and interpret political science research. The Bachelor of Science in Government and Politics is designed to provide students with the tools to produce political science research through advanced training in political methodology and data analysis.

• Understand basic political science concepts including power, institutions, political systems, the state, political conflict, sovereignty, citizenship, authority, and justice.
• Identify causes of systemic bias and discrimination against underrepresented groups, including racism against Black people and African Americans, and critically evaluate theories and evidence in this area.
• Use political science concepts, modes of inquiry, and analytic skills to address contemporary problems, understand the politics of diversity, and encourage civic engagement.
• B.A. track: Demonstrate familiarity with the methods, approaches, and theories used to interpret information applicable to the discipline of political science.
• B.S. track: Understand, interpret, and produce empirical political science research using sophisticated quantitative methodology.
• B.A. track: Communicate key arguments and ideas in political science effectively in writing and speaking.
• B.S. track: Communicate key arguments and the results of empirical analyses effectively in writing and speaking.