Understanding Political Science

At the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, we are often asked, “What is political science?” For the definitive answer, we turned to—who else?—political science professors who study, interpret, and teach the art of governing.

“Political Science is the study of politics and government using the tools of social science,” said Schar School professor Jennifer Victor. “Political scientists use the same scientific method—that is, question, theory, hypothesis, gather data, test, conclude—that natural scientists use. But instead of studying cells, or plants, or forces of nature, political scientists study people and the institutions they create to try to solve social problems, or not solve them, as the case may be.”

Interested in reading more perspectives? Hear from other political scientists and experts on what is the definition of political science: https://schar.gmu.edu/news-and-events/latest-news/what-is-political-science.

Learn more about the Schar School Master’s in Political Science and PhD in Political Science: https://schar.gmu.edu/prospective-students/programs.