Welcome to the Department of Political Science and Geography! With 22 full-time faculty and over 700 undergraduate and graduate students, we are one of the largest departments in the College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA).
Our department is home to nationally and internationally recognized faculty who represent a wide variety of theoretical and methodological approaches within Political Science and Geography, teach and publish on topics central to the major fields of our two disciplines, and are among the most honored and highly rated classroom instructors at UTSA. We are dedicated to assisting our students with their career choices ranging from graduate school to law school to politics to government to non-profits to the private sector.
The department offers four undergraduate programs: Geography and Environmental Sustainability, Global Affairs, Politics and Law, and Political Science. Our undergraduate programs in Geography and Environmental Sustainability and Political Science also have teaching tracks that allow students to receive a secondary social studies certification upon completion of the program. The department offers three graduate programs in Geography, Global Affairs, and Political Science. We also serve all undergraduate students at UTSA by offering required courses in American and Texas Politics in fulfillment of UTSA’s core curriculum (Texas Education Code §51.301 Core Curriculum Component Area 070).
We invite you to explore these pages to learn more about us and to contact the department for further information.
Student Success in Political Science and Geography
The students and alumni of the UTSA Department of Political Science and Geography achieve remarkable things both during their time in the program and after graduation. Each student contributes uniquely to our department, leaving an indelible mark on our community. Our pride in these extraordinary individuals extends far beyond their tenure with us!
Mateja, Senior Security and Operations Analyst
I am currently working at Accenture as a Senior Security and Operations Analyst. After my bachelors, I decided to pursue a double Masters in International Relations and Diplomacy at Schiller International University and University of Roehampton in Paris, France. The two years I spent there were life changing and the degree and learning a new language -- French -- helped me get a job.
Blaine, The Peace Corps
I graduated with a BA in Political Science in Spring 2021 and an MA in Global Affairs in Spring 2023. For the next two years I will be teaching elementary and middle-school literacy, math and life skills. And as a Peace Corps volunteer, I am always “on duty” in my community as a representative of the U.S. The Peace Corps only selects applicants who have a diverse set of skills and can hit the ground running and UTSA gave me both. As a graduate assistant in Political Science and Geography, I was able to TA for Dr. Jon Taylor, Chair of Political Science and Geography, for his undergrad political science courses. Through the generous scholarships from PSG, COLFA and the Study Abroad Office, I was able to participate in the Guanajuato, Mexico program with Drs. Jones and de Oliver. So, I got a really broad education inside and outside the classroom, because of PSG, I had the skills and the ability to hit the ground running.
Have an inquiry about our program?
We appreciate your interest in the Department of Political Science and Geography and extend our warmest welcome to you from the Department.
Latest News
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March 4, 2025
CPOR poll finds many voters undecided on mayoral racePublished by UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research
A new voter survey from the UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR) highlights a lack of clarity among voters about who will become San Antonio’s next mayor. About 35% of voters are undecided and 20% are unfamiliar with any of the 27 candidates running to replace Ron Nirenberg in the May 3, 2025 election.
February 3, 2025
CPOR Study: Crime is Top Concern of Bexar County VotersPublished by UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research
Crime, homelessness and affordable housing are the most pressing concerns on the minds of Bexar County voters, according to the UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research’s (CPOR) inaugural Bexar County Voter Panel Study.
October 31, 2024
CPOR Releases Final Poll Results Before Election Day 2024Published by UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research
A new survey of San Antonio voters by the UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR) shows a shift in sentiment for Proposition C, the San Antonio city charter amendment that would remove caps on the city manager’s salary and the number of years a person could serve in that position.
