Department of Political Science and International Affairs

We are dedicated to excellence in both teaching and scholarship. We offer a wide range of courses offering concentrations in all major areas of political science and international affairs, a student body whose graduates have compiled an impressive record of professional achievement, and a location between two centers of political power — Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia — that is ideal for politically-minded students to pursue internships, independent study projects, and professional opportunities. These factors help make the Department of Political Science and International Affairs one of the most vibrant at Mary Washington — or any other institution of higher learning.

Congratulations to Professor Chad Murphy, winner of the 2010-2011 Mary J. Pinschmidt Award presented by graduating seniors to the professor they “are most likely to remember as the one who had the greatest impact on their lives.”

The Political Science and International Affairs Department would like to congratulate UMW alumna and former PSCI major Meghann Green on receiving the 2011 Richard J. Kerr Award, which is presented by the Intelligence and National Security Alliance.

2010-2011 Fitschen Award winners, Nicholas Jacobs (political science) and Madina Ahmadzai (international affairs), with Professor John Kramer at the 2011 Phi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors’ Society induction ceremony: