Department of Political Science

What is Political Science?

Political Science is your pathway to understanding and shaping the complex systems that govern our world, while developing the leadership skills and analytical expertise that drive meaningful change from Louisville to Washington, D.C., and beyond. Our department empowers you with experiential learning that goes far beyond textbooks — from internships in Congress to hands-on research through our Center for Asian Democracy, where students contribute to understanding democracy's future across continents. With a well-earned reputation for producing campus leaders, our students consistently earn more Fulbright and Truman Scholarships than any other department at UofL, while our unique Ford Hall Goes to Washington program provides funded D.C. internships that build career-launching connections. 

Our distinguished graduates include senators, Supreme Court justices and Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, who received the JFK Profile in Courage Award for protecting voting rights. Here, your curiosity about how power operates and societies function transforms into the expertise and ethical leadership that strengthens democratic institutions, advances justice and creates positive change in an interconnected world.

Career Prospects

Where Civic Engagement Becomes Your Pathway to Influential Leadership

Transform your passion for understanding politics and governance into a career that shapes policy, drives positive change and influences decisions at every level of society. Political Science graduates don't just study power—they become the policy makers, strategic advisors and civic leaders who guide our democratic institutions. With 73% law school acceptance rates, $64,000 median starting salaries and unemployment at just 4.2% — lower than computer science majors — your political science training becomes your foundation for impactful professional success.

Government and Public Service

Salary Range: $45,000-$180,000 
Lead policy development and public administration at federal, state and local levels. Your understanding of governmental processes and political dynamics positions you perfectly for careers that directly impact communities and nations.

Career Opportunities:

• Policy Analyst developing evidence-based government solutions
• Legislative Assistant crafting bills and supporting lawmakers
• Federal Program Manager overseeing public initiatives
• City Manager directing municipal operations and services
• Diplomatic Officer representing national interests abroad
• Intelligence Analyst assessing political and security threats
• Congressional Staff Director managing legislative operations

Law and Legal Services

Salary Range: $55,000-$215,000 
Leverage your constitutional knowledge and analytical skills in high-demand legal careers. With 73% law school acceptance rates and median LSAT scores of 156, political science majors excel in legal education and practice.

Career Opportunities:

• Attorney specializing in constitutional and administrative law
• Public Defender advocating for criminal justice reform
• Corporate Counsel managing regulatory compliance
• Civil Rights Lawyer fighting for justice
• Legal Research Specialist analyzing case law and precedents
• Judicial Clerk supporting court decision-making
• Administrative Law Judge overseeing regulatory disputes

Consulting and Strategic Communications

Salary Range: $60,000-$200,000 
Apply your political insight and analytical abilities to help organizations navigate complex regulatory environments and public opinion. Your expertise becomes essential for strategic decision-making.

Career Opportunities:

• Political Consultant managing campaigns and electoral strategy
• Public Affairs Specialist managing organizational reputation
• Government Relations Manager building stakeholder relationships
• Crisis Communications Director handling sensitive situations
• Lobbying Coordinator advocating for policy positions
• Strategic Planning Analyst forecasting political trends
• Public Opinion Researcher conducting polls and focus groups

International Affairs and Diplomacy

Salary Range: $50,000-$165,000 
Shape global relationships through careers that demand deep understanding of international politics and cross-cultural communication. Your political science background provides the foundation for diplomatic success.

Career Opportunities:

• Foreign Service Officer representing U.S. interests globally
• International Development Specialist promoting democracy abroad
• Program Director managing humanitarian initiatives
• Political Risk Analyst assessing global investment climates
• International Trade Specialist facilitating economic relationships
• Cultural Attaché promoting international understanding
• UN Program Coordinator addressing global challenges

Business and Corporate Leadership

Salary Range: $65,000-$250,000 
Lead organizations through your understanding of regulatory environments, stakeholder management and strategic thinking. Political science majors excel in business roles requiring analytical and communication skills.

Career Opportunities:

• Management Consultant solving complex organizational challenges
• Corporate Strategy Director guiding company vision and planning
• Business Development Manager expanding market opportunities
• Human Resources Director managing workplace policy and culture
• Marketing Research Manager understanding consumer and political trends
• Compliance Officer ensuring regulatory adherence
• Executive Leadership roles across industries

Media and Communications

Salary Range: $40,000-$150,000 
Inform public discourse through careers that value your understanding of political processes and ability to communicate complex issues clearly to audiences.

Career Opportunities:

• Political Journalist covering campaigns and policy developments
• Communications Director managing organizational messaging
• Social Media Strategist engaging audiences on political issues
• Documentary Producer exploring political and social themes
• Public Information Officer communicating government initiatives
• Content Strategist developing political and policy narratives
• Media Relations Specialist managing public communications

Nonprofit and Advocacy

Salary Range: $45,000-$120,000 
Drive positive change through organizations dedicated to advancing causes you care about. Your political knowledge becomes essential for effective advocacy and program implementation.

Career Opportunities:

• Advocacy Director leading policy change initiatives
• Grant Writer securing funding for programs
• Community Organizer mobilizing grassroots political action
• Program Manager overseeing service delivery
• Development Director building donor relationships and fundraising
• Policy Researcher analyzing social issues and solutions
• Nonprofit Executive Director leading mission-driven organizations

Education and Research

Salary Range: $50,000-$130,000 
Shape future civic leaders while advancing knowledge about political systems and democratic processes. Academic careers offer intellectual freedom and research opportunities.

Career Opportunities:

• Political Science Professor conducting research and teaching
• Think Tank Researcher influencing policy debates
• Curriculum Developer creating civic education programs
• Academic Administrator managing educational institutions
• Policy Institute Director leading research organizations
• Civic Education Coordinator promoting democratic participation
• Educational Consultant improving government and civics instruction

Your Journey to Civic Leadership Awaits

Every path in Political Science connects your commitment to democratic values with the power to influence important decisions that affect millions of lives. Whether you're drawn to the $180,000 potential in federal policy roles, the intellectual rewards of diplomatic service or the emerging opportunities in political consulting and strategic communications, your degree provides the analytical foundation for careers that strengthen democratic institutions. With exceptional performance on professional school exams, strong employment rates across sectors and increasing demand for political expertise in our complex global environment, your investment in Political Science becomes your gateway to both meaningful public service and exceptional professional success that grows with every policy you help shape.