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Learn. Engage. Lead.


Department of Political Science graduates are prepared for career success in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Many of our students continue their education at graduate and law schools across the country. Our alumni are making a difference in their community, region, state and around the world.

 


Three women holding a red towel.
Political Science
Major & Minor

Political Science explores topics related to political behavior, the law, and governance both in the United States and internationally.

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Jeffrey Walker
International Affairs Major
Major

The International Affairs major prepares students for success in an interconnected global society. 

View the Major

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Philosophy
Major & Minor

Philosophy develops our ability to challenge the obvious, trains us to analyze and synthesize ideas.

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Professional Legal Studies
Major

This program engages students in the scholarly pursuit of the law and its practice. 

View the Major

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Paralegal Studies
Certificate

This program prepares graduates for immediate employment or advancement in the paralegal field.

View the Certificate

 

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Legal Studies
Major

The program provides students an interdisciplinary perspective while fostering greater understanding of the law as it relates to history, the sciences, and ethics in the United States and around the world.

View the Major

Became a Department of Political Science Major or Minor

Declare a Major or Minor

 

Apply to Western Kentucky University

Apply to WKU

 

 

 


 

Masters of Public Administration

The WKU MPA program prepares graduate students to be productive leaders and managers in public service by sharing knowledge, encouraging excellence in research and practice, and fostering an environment of professionalism within the diverse communities we serve.

The Joint Undergraduate-Master’s Program (JUMP) offers highly qualified and motivated students the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. 

 

Interested in being a GA? Apply here!

Graduate Assistant Application

Masters of Public Administration Program    

Local Goverment Administration Graduate Certificate

The Local Goverment Administration graduate certificate can be taken by itself or in conjunction with the pursuit of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree or a graduate degree in another field. Courses in the LGA certificate serve as electives for the MPA, making it possible for students to earn two graduate credentials at once. 

Local Goverment Administration

 

Government Employee Discount Program

The Government Employee Discount Program offers a discounted tuition rate to eligible local government employees in the BRADD region. 

The discount program pertains to admission and costs related to courses offered by the Department of Political Science for WKU's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and Graduate Certificate in Local Government Administration program.

Local Gov Discount Program

 

 

Political Science Podcast logo

The WKU PoliSci Podcast will be a weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Joel Turner.  Each week Dr. Turner will be joined by faculty members from the WKU Political Science Department to discuss important events and keep students and alumni up to date on happenings in the department. 

Additionally, Dr. Turner will occasionally be joined by guests from outside the department to provide unique perspectives on the newsworthy topics of the day.

 

Listen Now

 


Team Photo
Mock Trial
For Majors & Non-Majors

Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures.

Join Mock Trial

Warren County Justice Center photo by https://kycourts.gov
Scholarships

Departmental scholarships for returning Philosphy and Political Science students.

Our Scholarship Hub

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Pre-Law Association

Follow the WKU Pre-Law Association account to stay updated on events,opportunities,news, and more!.

Follow on Instagram

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Student Ambassadors

Represent the department at special events.

Contact the Department

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Student Research

While at WKU, we encourage our majors to Learn, Engage, and Lead. 

Contact the Department

Dr. Landon Elkind, Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Philosophy Club

Philosophy Club meets other philosophy students, share their interests in philosophy, and discuss philosophical issues.

Join the Club

 

 

 

 


Many of our students choose to pursue law degrees at universities around the country.

How will you make our community better through the legal profession?

 

Alumni Law School Logos

And many, many more!

 

 

 

 


Most of WKU’s merit scholarships are based on high school GPA instead of standardized test scores. 

WKU also offers an online tool that allows students or parents to estimate the cost of attendance and potential financial aid awards. By completing a simple form about the student’s background, plans for housing while in school, and family finances, the student can receive information on estimated costs and awards.

 

 WKU Scholarships    Cost Information

 

 

Student

 

Sarah Alexcee


Sarah Alexcee is a first-generation college graduate (Class of 2020) from Nashville who graduated with a BA in Political Science and a Criminology minor. Despite her busy schedule, she was able to find time to satisfy her interest in politics by participating in YMCA Youth in Government (now Campus YMCA Congress) and College Republicans. In the Fall of her senior year, she interned for Senator Rand Paul in his Bowling Green office.

Sarah credits her political science professors for giving her the tools to research and evaluate complex political issues. Following graduation, Sarah was hired as a full-time staff assistant in Senator Paul’s office where she works alongside several fellow WKU alumni. 

Career Opportunities

 

 


 

Colonnade Explorations Courses

 

Quantitative Reasoning Course

An introductory course in logic which presents the different uses of language and teaches students (1) to evaluate the logical status of statements and the consistency and validity of arguments using both natural and formal language techniques, and (2) to identify informal fallacies.


3 Credit Hrs

Social & Cultural Course

An examination of the political, economic and social status of American women from an historical and contemporary perspective; explores issues of concern to women in a political context.Patterns for each meter, uses of the left hand, cueing posture, attacks, releases, terminology and score study.


3 Credit Hrs

 

Colonnade Connections Courses

 

Systems

Comparative study and analysis of U.S. legal system and those of select foreign countries. Students will be responsible for fees associated with off campus travel as assigned.


3 Credit Hrs

Local to Global

An analysis of government and politics of Russia and Eastern European countries with emphasis on political processes and institutions, political and economic reforms, and the prospects for democratic government.


3 Credit Hrs

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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 Last Modified 9/30/24