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 leaders in law, business, media and community advocacy. We are especially proud of Political Science undergraduate and graduate alumni elected across local and state government, as well as in Washington DC. Proud Ford Hall Cardinals in state government include Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, KY Supreme Court Justice Angela McCormick Bisig and Kentucky Secretary of State, Michael Adams.

Career Prospects

Where Civic Engagement Becomes Your Pathway to Influential Leadership

Political Science trains the analytical, argumentative, and civic skills that every sector needs: the ability to understand complex systems, argue from evidence, navigate institutions, and communicate clearly to multiple audiences. Our graduates become lawyers, policy analysts, government administrators, diplomats, campaign strategists, journalists, nonprofit leaders, and business consultants — not because political science is a stepping stone, but because it provides exactly the training those careers demand.

UofL Political Science students earn more Fulbright and Truman Scholarships than any other department in the college, reflecting the department's strength in preparing graduates for high-impact public service and international careers. Legal occupations — the most direct professional pathway — project approximately 83,800 openings per year with a group median wage of $99,990. Government, policy, international relations, and nonprofit careers provide tens of thousands of additional pathways annually.

Whether you're headed to law school, graduate study, government service, international development, or the private sector, your Political Science degree gives you the civic knowledge and analytical preparation that complex careers demand.

Explore Career Pathways in Political Science