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Political Science & Public Administration
Political Science
Bachelor of Arts
Are you interested in U.S. politics, international affairs, domestic developments in other parts of the world and political theory? Do issues like social justice, power relationships, and the meaning of liberty and fairness motivate you?
As a Political Science major you’ll explore these and other topics as you become prepared for a broad range of careers including administrative positions in government, community organizations, electoral politics, or organizations working on behalf of specific policies. Graduates often pursue careers in business, law, consulting, state, local, and federal government, journalism and communications, international organization, finance, polling and campaign management, community service and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Core courses cover American government, political theory, international relations, and comparative politics, and you can choose from focused electives that match your specific interests. A wide range of courses across the discipline
In addition to learning from a mentoring faculty, you can gain valuable on-location experience by participating in an internship for up to 12 credits. Placements include federal, state, and local government agencies, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, and for-profit organizations. KU’s extensive political science alumni network extending throughout organizations regionally and beyond can be a valuable resource both while working toward your degree and after you graduate.
Political Science with Paralegal Studies
KU offers a Political Science with Paralegal Studies program for students interested in a paralegal career or preparing for law
Political Science Minor
The minor in Political Science requires American Government and a choice between International Relations or State & Local Government. Twelve semester hours of electives complete the minor.
Sample Career Options
- Government (international, federal, state, and local levels)
- Business
- Law
- Journalism
- Public service
- Law enforcement
- Campaigns and elections
- Public relations and advocacy
- Education
The Department of Political Science & Public Administration placed emphasis on gaining a solid theoretical foundation, assuming a global worldview, adapting real-world paradigms, and developing exceptional writing skills, which prepared me immensely for grad school and further equipped me for my current position.
Tatiana Toro '13Student Learning Outcomes
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BA in Political Science
- Students will be able to describe and to explain the various institutions and functions of the US government, as well as critique the basic principles of liberty, equality, and rights within our framework of democracy.
- Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the means of inquiry in the social sciences. This includes the ability to identify appropriate methodology, perform basic data analyses/interpretation, and read/interpret visual examples of data (charts/tables, etc.) commonly found in Political Science literature.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of other political systems worldwide and different institutions and culture. This also includes an ability to describe international interactions among states and non-state actors.