Bachelor's Degree in Political Science
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor's degree program in Political Science is perfect for students interested in government, public policy, and the forces that shape political systems globally. Graduates gain skills in analysis, research, and communication, preparing them for careers as policy analysts, legislative assistants, diplomats, or campaign managers in fields such as government, international organizations, and public affairs.
Program Overview
Political science majors explore issues of cooperation, 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.
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.
Accelerated Program Option
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. For more information, visit the UK BLUE website: https://www.as.uky.edu/uk-blue.
Related Careers
- Law
- Policy Analysis
- Public Administrators
- Policy Analysts
- Diplomats and Diplomatic Staffers
- Teachers/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
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
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, women in politics, constitutional law, and state and local government.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Expand Your Learning
Kentucky Legislative Internship Program (KLIP) - The Kentucky Legislative Internship Program occurs every spring semester to align with the Commonwealth's legislative sessions in the Kentucky General Assembly. This comprehensive legislative experience can serve as the culminating experience of an academic program, or it can be a great launching point for students earlier in their academic careers who intend to continue their study of the political process or to go on to additional political work at the national level.
WilDCats at the Capitol - WilDCats at the Capitol is an internship program for students wishing to work in Washington, D.C. It is a collaborative program between the UK President’s Office, Student Government, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Political Science. The program allows students to intern for a full semester (fall or spring terms) or during the summer.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
