Welcome to the Political Science Department

Welcome to the Department of Political Science. We are excited to have you join us.

Each semester, Political Science and Law and Justice students choose from a variety of courses that are relevant to current events and their future careers. Our courses cover topics such as elections, political violence, constitutional law, foreign policy, human rights, and the intersections of law, politics, and society. Students acquire skills in analytics and logic, writing, composition, communication, and data analysis, which are necessary to compete for jobs in today’s economy.

We offer internship and research opportunities that help students gain experience and build their resumes. Students can earn course credit while interning at the state capitol (Kentucky Legislative Internship Program–KLIP), in Washington, DC (WilDCats at the Capitol), and locally at law firms, on political campaigns, or other internships, and with professors working on their research. Students are also encouraged to get involved and connect with the department through various clubs and organizations.

Our students regularly earn admission to the very best law schools and graduate programs. In recent years, our students have been admitted to Harvard, UCLA, Vanderbilt, Emory, Ohio State, and Georgetown, to name a few.

Majoring in political science or law and justice paves the way for a number of fulfilling and diverse careers. Graduates earn jobs as lawyers, policy analysts, researchers, public officials, government agents, lobbyists, diplomats, and a variety of other careers in the public and private sectors.

We have designed this handbook to help you navigate the University, the Department, and your degree program. We hope you find it to be a valuable resource as you complete your degree at the University of Kentucky and prepare for your future.

Best,

Bridgett A. King, PhD

Associate Professor & Director of Undergraduate Studies