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Political Science BS/BA

USA

What will I learn?

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.

Which department am I in?

College of Arts and Sciences

Study options

Full Time (4 years)

Tuition fees
US$33,406.00 per year
Application deadline

Expected May, October 2025

Start date

13 January 2025

Venue

College of Arts and Sciences

202 Patterson Office Tower,

LEXINGTON,

Kentucky,

40506, United States

Entry requirements

For international students

Freshman Admission: Applicants who have not attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND who have met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below. English proficiency Scores: TOEFL: 71 iBT; IELTS: 6.0; Duolingo: 105. Priority Application Deadline: December 1 for Fall semester (August start); October 15 for Spring semester (January start).

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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