Political science majors explore issues of power, conflict and justice. Students study the development, political system and function of governments to ascertain the best practices for integration into new ideas and future proposals.
The Political Science Department at UK offers a wide range of courses spanning the subfields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations and law and justice. After completing a core course of study in each discipline, the flexible political science curriculum allows students to specialize in a subfield of their choosing. Political science students are also encouraged to explore the field outside the classroom through participation in internships, research, and independent work.
What Skills Does Studying Political Science Develop?
- Gather information and opinions through a variety of means and synthesize the findings into a coherent and persuasive argument.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Theoretical and practical approaches to political and government functions.
- Effectively encounter criticism and opposing views.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to solve problems.
- Skills in data, analysis and coding.
Career Opportunities
With a strong foundation in the liberal arts, political science majors are well suited for a variety of careers. Occupational opportunities include government administration, politics and campaigns, public policy, nonprofit organizations, international relations, business and journalism. Students are also prepared to pursue graduate programs in area studies, business, law or diplomacy. Although this list is not inclusive, Political science majors can be found in the following careers:
- Public administration.
- Lawyer or judge.
- Legislative staff member.
- Lobbyist.
- Data analyst.
- International affairs specialist.
- Journalism.
- Law enforcement.
- Teacher/professor.
- Political analyst.
- Politician.
- Public policy researcher.
- Campaign management.
- News correspondent.
- Sales and marketing
- Social service worker
- Speech writer.
- Human relations.
- urban and regional planner.
- Nonprofit organizations.
For more information about careers, go to the following:
The American Political Science Association
https://www.apsanet.org/ABOUT/About-APSA
Careers in Government
http://www.careersingovernment.com/
International Association for Political Science Students
http://www.iapss.org/
For more information about career opportunities, contact the UK Career Center.
To view current internship and job opportunities available to all students, visit https://uky.joinhandshake.com/.