Department of Political Science

The undergraduate program in Political Science allows students to pursue course work in four disciplinary fields:

American Politics - define the American political system, including the high-demand subfield of judicial politics and legal studies; study of the institutions, behavioral patterns, and public policies that define the American political system;
Comparative Politics - study of the institutions, policies, and mass behaviors observed in political systems outside the United States, usually explored through comparison within or across regions of the world;
International Relations - study of the international system as a whole, as well as of the actors (such as nation-states, corporations, and international organizations) who participate in shaping diplomatic, military, and economic outcomes within that system;
and
Theory/Methodology - study of the values, concepts, and analytical methods that shape how people evaluate political life.

Degree recipients take introductory course work in each of these four areas, then pursue advanced studies in one or more of the fields as determined by their interests and/or career goals.

In addition to conveying information about politics and government - necessary background for pursuing graduate work in political science and related fields - Political Science courses at UK 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.

Currently the department offers two degree: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Most majors choose to pursue the B.A. The primary difference is that B.A. students must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level, a requirement that students can fulfill using courses already needed for the major. Earning the B.S. degree, on the other hand, requires completing a minimum of 60 hours in natural, physical, mathematical, and computer sciences. Little of that course work fulfills other degree requirements.