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About the Department

Since 1923, The mission of the Department of Political Science has been to communicate the knowledge of political science as a scholarly discipline through education of undergraduate and graduate students in the core principles and specialties of political science, and to develop new knowledge in the field through critical research and scholastic inquiry.

Serving over 400 undergraduate majors and 135 minors, we are strongly committed to educational excellence.  Our instructors share their passion with students inside and outside the classroom -- working to engage students with coursework, sponsoring campus-wide events, advising student organizations, and mentoring undergraduate researchers.  Our students have ample opportunity to serve as interns and to engage in scholarship.

One of our premier opportunities is the Kentucky Legislative Internship Program (KLIP) that provides opportunity for undergraduates to work hands on with our state legislators in Frankfort while also earning class credit. We also offer students the opportunity to work directly with the United States Congress, departments, and agencies, through our program, Wildcats at the Capitol. Working 40 hours a week, students intern in D.C. during an academic semester or summer, earning both University credit and a real understanding of how our government is run.

Our department is committed to equipping students with real-world skills and abilities to not only better the University of Kentucky, but the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. We have much to offer in the ways of academics, community, and achievement and hope you decide to start your journey here.

 
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Behind the Blue: A&S Grad Emily Lucke Shows What's Wildly Possible With Languages
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From Rough Soil to Greener Grasses: Juan Montilla Pabòn is Writing a Brilliant Future
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'Behind the Blue': A&S Professor Discusses Redistricting
4.21.22
Political Science Student Among UK’s 2022 Sullivan Award Winners
4.20.22
Junior A&S Political Science Major Selected to Study at Oxford
4.13.22
A&S Students Named 2022 Gaines Fellows
3.30.22
Political Science Professor Examines the Effectiveness of International Courts in Stemming Human Rights Abuses 
3.29.22
A&S Professor, Post-Doc Comment on Women in U.S. Foreign Policy
3.29.22
Peter S. K. Lynch - Featured Graduate Student
3.29.22
Chris Gorman - Winner of the 2021 Political Science Outstanding Alumni Award
11.08.21
A&S Student Highlights Resources for First-Generation Students
9.23.21
Alternative Textbook Grants Help A&S Professors Provide Equitable Access
9.13.21
1st Research + Creative Experience Expo Coming to UK
9.01.21
Ph.D. Student Abbie Saulsbury Researches U.S. Supreme Court with Support from the Coleman-Miller-Gorman Fellowship
9.01.21
Political Science Junior McKayla Weaver Wins County Election for Kentucky’s 88th District
8.25.21
International Studies Professor Leads Effort to Honor Alumni and Teach Undergrads About the World
6.01.21
UK International Studies Grad to Study Turkish on Boren Fellowship
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Desire to be an Advocate Leads UK Political Science Grad to Marines and the Law
5.25.21
Two Political Science Grads Find Their UK Arts & Sciences Experience Leads to Excellent Graduate Schools
5.18.21
UK Launches Alum to a Key White House Position: Anthony Jones, B.A. Political Science 2000
More News
  • Photos

  • Videos

  • Podcasts

UK Political Science Interns: A Gallery of Achievement
Political Science Homecoming Event
Celebrating Fall 2019 Dean's List Recipients
2019 Vandenbosch (Political Science) Awards Banquet
trunzo scholars meet donor
Trunzo Scholars Meeting
Faculty Awards and Recognition Ceremony 2018
Honoring Outstanding Teaching and Inclusive Excellence
2018 Vandenbosch (Political Science) Awards Banquet
PS Picnic
PS Photos
Inaugural Meeting of P.S. Dept's Alumni Advisory Board
2017 A&S Hall of Fame
Panel from right
"Democracy, Citizenship, and Violence in Latin America"...
Trunzo receiving poster
2017 Vandenbosch Awards Banquet
Comparative Politics
ESL Presidential Event
A&S Voices Ana Sampaio
College of Arts & Sciences Commencement - Student Speaker - Bilal...
Ouita Papka Michel (Political Science B.A. ’87)
Trunzo Thank You Video
Dean's Circle 2020 - Student Perspectives
The Impact of the Pandemic and Protests on 2020 Elections
Dr. Bradley C. Canon - 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee
Dr. Penny Miller - 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee
Robert N. Trunzo - 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee
A&S Voices: Hadeel Abdallah
A&S Voices: Hayley Leach
Why UK Students Relish Unique Internship Opportunity in DC
Rodney F. Page, Political Science B.A. '68
W. Bruce Lunsford, Political Science B.A. '69
Major in Political Science - Evan
A&S Hall of Fame 2017 - Charlie Grizzle
'Behind the Blue': Election 2020 With Political Scientist...
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'Behind the Blue': Election 2018 With Stephen Voss and...
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The Election and the Future as Country Inaugurates New President
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Behind the Blue: What Does the Presidential Election Really Mean?
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Office Hours with Ernest Yanarella and Anthony Ogden
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Office Hours with Peter Berres and Stan Brunn
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Examining Conflict to Create Peace: The NSF Grant with Emily VanMeter
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To China and Back: Rita Basuray, Julia Johnson, and Ernest Yanarella
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Law's Not-So-Dirty Little Secret — A Liberal Arts Education: Don...
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The Foundations of Peace: Clayton Thyne
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Following His Heart and Conscience: Stephen Bright
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Hail To The Chief
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Following the Campaign Trail: Currents Fall 2012
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Political Science as a Path to Law School: Rachel Hensley
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Continuity and Change in American Politics: Stephen Voss
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City Government from the Inside Out: Jim Newberry
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University of Kentucky

Department of Political Science
(859) 257-7029
1615 Patterson Office Tower
Lexington KY 40506-0027
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