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Political science degree students talking outside on the UC campus.

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science

If you are considering a legal career, a political science degree is a great choice because it focuses on what law does in society, how laws are made, the role of the courts, and other related topics. Although you don’t have to get your BA in Political Science to apply to law school, you can get a good feel for studying law by taking the courses that come with a political science major.

 

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Political Science Degree at University of the Cumberlands is to teach political science majors the structures, policies, and controversies that surround government and policy making, preparing them for work in local, state, or national governments, among a host of other possible careers. While some political science degree graduates will choose to move into law school, whatever you choose, know that political science majors in this program strengthen their critical thinking skills, become effective and ethically responsible communicators, and obtain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different philosophies of government and the complexities of the world.

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What is Political Science?

Political science is a social science focused on governments and systems of power and the analysis of laws and political activities, thoughts, and behaviors. There are a wide range of subdisciplines, such as political economy, international relations, and public policy and administration. Political science shares methodology with other social sciences, like history, psychology, and behavioral science. This allows you to take classes in your area of interest during your political studies. Degree programs vary, but generally cover topics such as international law, government administration, and diplomacy.

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Why Get a Political Science Degree? 

Why a political science degree? As a political science major at Cumberlands, you will survey the major concepts, issues, and controversies in political science.  Whether you are pursuing a poli sci minor or your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, you’ll explore public policy, constitutional law, political theory, comparative government, American foreign policy, the presidency, and Congress.

At University of the Cumberlands, you can pursue a minor or a bachelor’s in political science. The experienced, caring faculty in the Department of History and Political Science will help you choose the combination of study to best meet your personal goals. With a poli-sci degree, you will be well-prepared to begin your career or to continue your political science degree studies in graduate school.

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What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree?

Wondering what can you do professionally as a political science major? The answer is a lot, actually. Career opportunities for those with a political science degree are numerous. Many graduates with a political science major gain work in government as elected officials or in many other capacities, including lobbyists. Alternative career options include:

Before becoming a political science major, you might be wondering what can you do with a degree in political science? The truth is, actually a lot.

POLITICAL SCIENTIST1

You don’t have to wait for the next election cycle to put your political science degree from University of the Cumberlands to work. Reasoning, interpreting, analyzing – the skills you’ll gain are highly valued by employers in a number of industries. Food for thought when that election cycle starts – political scientists average $122,510 annually.

Maybe your bachelors in political science is just the first step … many graduates of the fine arts program go on to pursue additional certifications or degrees to explore careers in graphic design, advertising or even art therapy.

POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR2

Another direction you can take is in teaching – training future generations of voters as a college or university instructor. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade.

CAREERS

  • Lawyer
  • Journalist
  • Business Owner
  • Teaching
  • FBI Officer
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Ambassador
  • Historian
  • CIA Intelligence Specialist
  • And many more

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of political science and government is expected to have 262,000 job openings by 2024. That’s 262,000 opportunities an undergraduate degree in political science can help you pursue.

"$122,510" Median Annual Pay for Political Scientists1

1Political Scientists
2Postsecondary Teachers

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Requirements for Political Science Degree 

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Political Science 

REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE –   37 credit hours: 19 hours of required courses plus 18 hours following either Option I or Option II 
 
Required courses for both options (19 hours): 

AND 

OR 

15 additional hours are to be chosen from the Political Science offerings within the department.

 Three additional hours of electives from Political Science section. 

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

As a political science major, a BA in political science requires the completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree plus a world language through the intermediate level.

Minor in Political Science 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE – 24 semester hours as follows: Required courses are 
(12 hours):     

AND 

OR 

OR 

 Plus 12 elective hours from the political science offerings of the department. 

Pre-Law Curriculm 

The Department recommends the Pre-Law students take the following courses from the History/Political Science Major (46 hours)
 
Required courses are (28 hours): 

18 Elective hours from the following:

AND/OR 

Associate in Paralegal Studies 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE A.S. AND ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE A.A.S. IN PARALEGAL STUDIES - 24HRS 

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More Information on Political Science Degree

TUITION

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

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If you’ve been looking for the perfect political science major to fit your needs, let University of the Cumberlands show you the way with an accredited bachelor’s in political science degree that will help you make a difference for your career and the lives others. Fill out the form on this page to see what you could accomplish with a BS or BA in political science. Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more!

Admissions Office

Contact Us

Phone:  606.539.4240
Toll-Free:  877.713.8767
Fax:  606.539.4303
Email:  admissions@ucumberlands.edu

Visit Us In Person

6178 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769

Career Path

A University of the Cumberlands degree prepares you for the rigors of the professional world.  Click the button to learn more about the exciting career opportunities you can pursue with this program.