Overview and Academic Programs
Political Science Undergraduate Program
Political Science is the study of power, government, public policy, and the institutions that shape societies around the world. As a Political Science major, students explore how political systems function, why governments make certain decisions, and how citizens, leaders, and organizations influence public life. Courses examine topics such as American politics, international relations, comparative politics, political theory, public policy, and law, providing students with a broad understanding of the forces that affect communities locally, nationally, and globally.
Studying Political Science helps students develop valuable skills in critical thinking, research, writing, data analysis, and persuasive communication. Through the examination of real-world political challenges, students learn to evaluate evidence, analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives, and construct well-supported arguments. These skills prepare graduates to engage thoughtfully with public affairs and contribute meaningfully to civic life.
The analytical, research, and communication skills developed through the major are valued across a wide range of professions, from government and law to business, nonprofit leadership, media, and international affairs. Whether students aspire to careers in public service, advocacy, policy analysis, or the private sector, a Political Science degree equips them to navigate complex issues, evaluate competing perspectives, and contribute thoughtfully to their communities and workplaces.
Political Science Bachelor's Degree
The Political Science major consists of 51 credits that are fulfilled through a combination of required courses and electives.
Students are given a significant amount of flexibility to take courses that not only match their interests and goals, but work for their schedules too. With careful planning, the Political Science major is also able to be completed entirely online; a great option for busy students who can’t always be on campus.
Political Science Minor
The Political Science Minor consists of 18 credits fulfilled through both required courses and electives. This quick and flexible minor is a great way for students to learn and incorporate political principles into their overall program of study.
Political Science Minor Requirements
Honors Degree
Students considering getting an honors degree in Political Science should talk to an advisor in the Honors College to make sure they understand all requirements for the honors degree. A year prior to graduation, students need to schedule a pre-thesis interview in the honors program. The honors advisor will explain the thesis process and provide information on deadlines, formatting, signature requirements, and the like.
Students should also schedule an appointment to meet with the department honors advisor, Dr. Tyler Pack. The department honors advisor can provide honors students with additional information on the graduate level courses, help students to plan for completing the course requirements of the degree, and prepare to complete an honors thesis in Political Science.
International Relations Certificate
The International Relations Certificate is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Political Science Department.
Students who earn the International Relations Certificate are prepared to find professional success in relevant careers within international business, foreign service, US intelligence agencies, non-profit organizations, international law, and even advanced educational studies.
International Relations Certificate Requirements
Campaign Management Minor
The Campaign Management Minor offers undergraduate students the opportunity to learn the theory and practices that will allow them to be effective participants in election and advocacy campaigns.
To complete the Campaign Management Minor, students are required to complete courses in the Political Science, Communications, and Philosophy Departments. Students must also complete a political internship through the Hinckley Institute of Politics.
In order to apply to the Campaign Management Minor, students must have a declared major at the University of Utah and must have completed the University’s American Institutions requirement.
Campaign Management Requirements
Area's of Emphasis
Adding an area of emphasis to your Political Science degree allows you to customize your major, add structure to your degree plan, and focus your undergraduate coursework. Additional benefits include specialized coursework, advanced degree and career preparation, and networking opportunities. Areas of emphasis will appear on your official transcripts – certifying your accomplishments within that transcripted emphasis area.
Students need a number of upper division Political Science electives for their major requirements. If declared in an emphasis, they must complete at least 5 courses (15 credit hours) of those electives from options within the selected area in order to officially earn that area of emphasis. Students may pursue only one transcripted area of emphasis. For more information or to declare your area of emphasis, please contact your academic advisor.
Community Involvement and Political Activism
Best for students focused on understanding the theories and practices of community engagement and political advocacy. Coursework will lead to an in-depth understanding of pressing political problems and approaches to social change, from the local to global levels. Perfect for students who are preparing for careers in grassroots campaigns, nonprofit administration, community organizing, or public service, as well as those wishing to pursue graduate degrees in this area.
International Politics
Ideal for students who are interested in studying cooperation and conflict among countries and other supra-national actors, such as international governmental organizations (United Nations, European Union, etc.) and non-governmental organizations (Greenpeace, International Labor Organization, etc.). Excellent for students seeking careers with an international context or those eager to pursue additional education related to international politics or law.
Public Policy
Optimal for students who wish to focus on the study of how public policies are made, implemented, and evaluated. Great for students interested in long-term public policy work or those seeking a graduated degree in public administration – Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP).
Law and Politics
Perfect for students who wish to study the normative basis for law in democratic societies, the creation and administration of laws, and the normative and empirical evaluation of law. Ideal for students interested in careers related to the administration of law or those hoping to pursue a law degree – the Juris Doctor degree (J.D.).
Ready to Declare Your Major?
Ready to Graduate?
All undergraduate students must apply in advance for graduation to receive a degree from the University of Utah.
Before applying, students are encouraged to meet with their advisor.
All students pursuing degrees and certificates through the Political Science Department must also fulfill all University of Utah requirements for graduation. For complete information concerning the Undergraduate Program at the University of Utah, consult the Student Handbook.
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