Program Overview
A political science degree prepares students to examine how governments function, how public policy is developed, and how political systems shape societies around the world. Through coursework in political institutions, international relations, political theory, and research methods, students gain the analytical tools needed to understand complex political issues and contribute thoughtfully to public life. At the University of Kansas, the political science degree emphasizes both theoretical foundations and real-world application, helping students develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
Students pursuing a political science degree explore topics such as democratic institutions, global politics, public policy, and political behavior. Courses encourage critical evaluation of contemporary issues while grounding students in the historical and philosophical foundations of political systems. The curriculum also emphasizes the role of evidence and data in understanding political outcomes, making the political science degree a strong choice for students interested in law, public service, international affairs, policy analysis, and many other fields.
Undergraduates may pursue this degree in political science through either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.). Both political science degrees share the same core disciplinary training, including courses that develop analytical reasoning, research design, and political interpretation. Students studying a degree in political science learn to evaluate political institutions, interpret public policies, and assess political behavior at the local, national, and international levels.
The Bachelor of Arts option is designed for students pursuing a traditional liberal arts pathway. A defining feature of the B.A. is its foreign language requirement: students must demonstrate proficiency in one language other than English through the fourth-semester level, satisfied by passing a departmental proficiency exam, completing a fourth-semester-level language course, or completing any course that lists a fourth-semester-level course as a prerequisite. The department particularly recommends the B.A. for students interested in international affairs or comparative politics, where foreign language proficiency is most directly applicable. Students completing the B.A. often plan to continue into graduate school or professional programs such as law school or public policy programs.
The Bachelor of General Studies option provides a more flexible interdisciplinary pathway within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. While students still complete the core requirements of the political science major, the B.G.S. replaces the foreign language requirement with a structured interdisciplinary component: students must complete either a junior/senior concentration (at least three upper-level courses in a single department outside the major), an approved minor, or a second major or degree. This structure allows students to pair political science with fields such as economics, journalism, sociology, or business in a way that is both intentional and credential-bearing.
Regardless of degree type, the political science major offers opportunities to examine the structure of governments and the behavior of political actors. Students may explore American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy. These areas allow students in the political science major to focus on topics such as elections and political participation, global security, political philosophy, and the design of democratic institutions.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Political Science, BA/BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s in Political Science is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Bachelor’s in Political Science Learning Outcomes
Students completing the political science degree develop a broad understanding of political systems and the analytical skills needed to evaluate political institutions and behavior. Graduates of the political science major are expected to demonstrate competency in four areas:
- Knowledge, Inquiry, and Discovery: Apply disciplinary knowledge of concepts, theories, and methods to analyze the dynamics shaping politics at the local, national, and international levels, and to generate and communicate new ideas.
- Effective Communication: Clearly articulate arguments and communicate ideas supported by evidence across a range of written, oral, and other formats, and demonstrate the ability to incorporate feedback to strengthen future communication.
- Analytical Reasoning: Use qualitative and quantitative information to identify patterns, evaluate arguments and theories, test hypotheses, and apply the research methods political scientists use to advance knowledge.
- Social Awareness and Cultural Understanding: Critically examine how political science research analyzes social and cultural differences: including class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexuality, and ability — across communities and countries.
What careers are possible with a Bachelor’s in Political Science
Graduates with a political science degree pursue careers across government, law, policy, advocacy, and private-sector organizations. The research and analytical training gained through the political science major prepares students to interpret policy challenges, evaluate political developments, and communicate complex information. Common career pathways for graduates with a degree in political science include:
- Policy analyst
- Legislative assistant
- Campaign staff member
- Public affairs specialist
- Government administrator
- Intelligence analyst
- Journalist or political reporter
Many students with a bachelor of political science continue their education in law school, graduate programs in political science, or public policy and public administration programs. Labor market data from Lightcast indicates that graduates with political science degrees often enter fields such as government administration, legal services, consulting, and public relations.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition rates for the political science degree vary based on residency status and enrollment pathway. The University of Kansas offers scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to support students financially. For more information, visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the political science degree must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR 2.0 GPA and 21+ ACT
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferrable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students in the political science major benefit from a dynamic academic environment that connects classroom learning with real-world political engagement. Through internships, research projects, and student organizations, students pursuing a political science degree gain valuable experience that complements their coursework.
Experiential learning opportunities available to students pursuing a degree in political science may include:
- Washington D.C. Semester: a field placement program pairing coursework with hands-on work in federal government, policy organizations, or advocacy groups in the nation’s capital
- Topeka Semester: a Kansas-focused program placing students in the state legislature or state government offices during an active legislative session
- Participation in political campaigns or policy organizations
- Research collaborations with faculty
- Student political organizations and debate forums
- Study abroad programs focused on international politics
Students interested in law school may also be eligible for KU’s LEAD program (Law and Education Accelerated Degree), which allows undergraduate students to complete an accelerated B.A. and J.D. in a reduced timeframe. Students who meet the program’s requirements and are accepted receive guaranteed admittance to KU School of Law. Because the LEAD program is built around the undergraduate curriculum, political science is a natural fit for students who want to pursue both degrees efficiently.
Bachelor’s in Political Science Sample Courses
Students pursuing a political science degree may take courses such as:
- Introduction to U.S. Politics
- Introduction to International Politics
- Introduction to Comparative Politics
- Introduction to Political Theory
- Populism and Nationalism
- Psychology in Politics
These courses help students in the political science major develop the analytical skills necessary to understand political systems and policy outcomes. For a comprehensive list of courses and detailed descriptions, please review the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Political Science Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.