Philosophy & Government
Political Science Degree
Shape the future of society by pursuing a political science degree.
OFFERED AS:
Major, Minor
FORMAT:
In-Person
CREDITS REQUIRED:
Major (36), Minor (18)
Become an expert in global, national and local politics with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree from Kutztown University. Why? Because the time is now to understand and build careers in the institutions that govern society.
Our major in political science plays a crucial role in building a healthy and progressive society for generations to come. As a poli sci major, nothing can stop you from spearheading positive change in our rapidly changing world.
Lead. Influence. Empower.
Why Choose KU for a Political Science Degree
Choosing Kutztown University for a political science degree is a highly rewarding, inspiring and immersive educational opportunity.
Our professors are experienced, caring and trained to help you shape society for the better once you graduate. We want your college experience as a major in political science to be a memorable one.
Here are the top 4 reasons to become a poli sci major at KU:
- Study on a picturesque campus located close to major PA cities and D.C.
- Gain access to our extensive alumni network and internship opportunities
- Receive an affordable education with financial aid opportunities
- Benefit from smaller class sizes, allowing you to collaborate with classmates
Get hands-on political experience throughout your time as a poli sci major at KU.
Political Science Degree Highlights
Success as a poli sci major begins with the career preparation and connections you make before graduation.
KU provides you with the necessary resources and opportunities to make an impact on the world. While pursuing your political science degree, you can gain valuable real-world experience by:
- Getting involved in student organizations including the Political Science club and Pre-Law Society
- Attending political science conferences held at KU
- Debating and exploring relevant topics such as constitutional law and international relations
- Pursuing internships with local government agencies and organized with the help of faculty
- Mastering your writing and analysis in research method courses
Student Learning Outcomes
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BA Political Science
- Students will be able to describe and to explain the various institutions and functions of the US government, as well as critique the basic principles of liberty, equality, and rights within our framework of democracy.
- Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the means of inquiry in the social sciences. This includes the ability to identify appropriate methodology, perform basic data analyses/interpretation, and read/interpret visual examples of data (charts/tables, etc.) commonly found in Political Science literature.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of other political systems worldwide and different institutions and culture. This also includes an ability to describe international interactions among states and non-state actors.
What drew me to this program was the unique blend of U.S. politics, international affairs, domestic developments in other parts of the world, and political theory. The experiences & interactions with professionals in the field during our classes allowed me to apply classroom concepts to real-life situations, developing skills in analysis, communication, and critical thinking. These skills have guided me to pursue the Master's in Public Administration program here at KU, where understanding the complexities of political systems and policymaking will help in preparing me for a career in public service or government.
Rylee Burke, ’24, M ’26, Kutztown UniversityPolitical Science Degree FAQ
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What can I do with a political science degree?
Whether you’d like to foster legal and judicial reforms or advocate for social change and reshape public policy, our major in political science will help you decide where to take your degree.
Here is a list of example career paths you can pursue with a political science degree, along with their national salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023).
- Attorney: $145,760
- Nonprofit program coordinator: $ 77,030
- Market research analyst: $74,680
- Legislative assistant: $60,970
- Campaign manager: $130,480
- Journalist: $57,500
- Urban planner: $81,800
- Policy analyst: $132,350
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What minor pairs best with a political science degree?
In addition to our political science minor, our program offers minors in Public Administration and Global Studies. Each minor provides a more in-depth exploration of their respective specializations and pair perfectly with your poli sci major.
Outside of our program, it can be helpful to support your political science degree with a minor that correlates with the career path you hope to pursue. For example, you may want to minor in history, economics, English or sociology to further strengthen your studies and skills.
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What programs can I pursue with or after my Political Science degree?
Kutztown University offers several other programs to help further your studies:
- Master’s in Public Administration: a (MPA) 4+1 accelerated program for Political Science majors beginning in their senior year. This pathway allows you to take graduate courses while completing the final year of your undergraduate degree. Your master can then be attained in one additional year.
- Paralegal Studies certificate: KU has collaborated with Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) to provide this dual enrollment opportunity to students. While completing their political science degree, students can also complete and attain LCCC’s American Bar Association-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate.