Dr. Bridgett A. King
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Political Science
bridgett.king@uky.eduPolitical 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. 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.
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.
Career opportunities in Political Science
Political science majors take introductory course work in each of four areas: American politics; comparative politics; international relations; and theory/methodology. Majors then pursue advanced studies in one or more of these fields as determined by their interests and/or career goals. Political science courses 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.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Total Hours - 12
Core Requirements
Coursework from outside the Department
Total Hours - 39
Are you new to Undergraduate Studies and not sure where to begin? If so, we recommend starting with the Advising Syllabus. Need assistance "bouncing back" from academic probation? Visit our Rebound Page. Want to speak with an advisor about course registration, to find out about available resources for classes and major exploration, or just to check in? Schedule an Advising Appointment. How to Determine Academic Status
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$132,350
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
6,200
in 2023
Political scientists typically work full time in an office. They sometimes work additional hours to finish reports and meet deadlines.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreLawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$145,760
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
826,300
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
62,400
new jobs (average)
Lawyers work for a variety of organizations, usually in office settings. Some work for federal, local, or state governments. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
View Major Advising Page
Dr. Bridgett A. King
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Political Science
bridgett.king@uky.eduCollege of Arts & Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower
