Bachelor's Degree in Political Science

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
Icon for Credit Hours
Credit Hours
120
Icon for Credit Hours
Credential
BA, BS

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.

Image
Kentucky Community & Technical College System Logo

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
Image
University of Kentucky Accelerated Master's 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.

Get Your Head Start
Funding Icon

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.

Students participate in a career fair.
Students meet with student org representatives at an outdoor involvement fair.

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!

Learn About Student Organizations & Activities
Campus View

Get More Information

Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.

Hidden Conditionals





Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
About You




Mailing Address





Program Interest






The University of Kentucky defines international applicants as those with citizenship other than the United States of America. Exception: Permanent Residents of the United States should complete a domestic application.

By submitting this form, you give University of Kentucky your consent to use automated technology to call, text, e-mail and send physical mail to you at the information above, including to your wireless number if provided, regarding educational services. Please note that you are not required to provide this consent to receive educational services. Privacy Policy and SMS Terms and Conditions.

* Denotes Required Field
This form is not currently active. Please contact an administrator if you believe you have come to this page in error.
Hidden Fields

Future Wildcat Contact Information
























Become a Wildcat

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.