Political Science Today by Wendy Whitman Cobb gives students a holistic view of political science by dedicating one chapter to each area of study within the discipline. The Second Edition uses a field-based approach that allows students to sample what the major has to offer and come away with a basic understanding of how politics—any kind of politics—affects their everyday lives. The book also provides students with an overview of the skills and possibilities they'll encounter as majors, including developing critical thinking skills, conducting and consuming research, and understanding the unique career opportunities after graduation.

The book's table of contents begins with foundational tools like theories and research methods, then builds up to subfield chapters on Comparative Politics, International Relations, American Government, Political Economy, and Public Policy and Administration.