Political science majors explore issues of power, conflict, and justice. Students will study theories of government and the development of political systems along with the role of groups and individuals within the political process. With this understanding students will begin to explain why governments and people behave the way they do and see how changes to a governmental system will alter behavior in the future. The Department of Political Science at UK offers a wide range of courses spanning the sub-fields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. Specific subjects include: political processes, judicial behavior, political theory, international conflict, political behavior, comparative institutions, public administration, and women in politics, constitutional law, and state and local government.
Careers
Grow Your Future
Graduates leave the program having cultivated their analytical abilities and having exercised their written and spoken communication skills. Such disciplinary training leads to a wide variety of careers, many of which have no direct political or governmental connection, but is particularly helpful in preparing students for careers such as law, policy analysis, governmental administration, diplomatic service, journalism, lobbying, and other sorts of other political activity.
Career opportunities in Political Science: Law; policy analysis; public administrators; policy analysts; diplomats and diplomatic staffers; teacher/professors; legislative or executive branch aides; law school teachers; international affairs specialists; journalists; lobbyists; lawyers and judges; campaign managers and political consultants; law enforcement professionals; NGO and non-profit staffers; Urban and regional planners; Social service workers.
Accelerated Opportunity (UK BLUE):
If you know you want a career in law, then the UK BLUE program may be right for you. Incoming freshmen majoring in Political Science can apply to participate in this 3+3 partnership with UK Law. Students selected for this accelerated program finish their B.A. and J.D. in six years, all while participating in enrichment activities that expose them to the legal, clinical, community service, and career opportunities that a law degree makes possible.
What You'll Study
Political science majors take introductory course work in each of four areas: American politics; comparative politics; international relations; and theory/methodology. Majors then pursue advanced studies in one or more of these fields as determined by their interests and/or career goals. Political science courses are designed to provide students with a broad liberal arts education. Graduates leave the program having cultivated their analytical abilities and having exercised their written and spoken communication skills. Such disciplinary training leads to a wide variety of careers, many of which have no direct political or governmental connection, but is particularly helpful in preparing students for careers such as law, policy analysis, governmental administration, diplomatic service, journalism, lobbying, and other sorts of political activity.
Graduation Requirements
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences.
Expected May, October 2025
Start date
13 January 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower,
LEXINGTON,
Kentucky,
40506, United States
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.