Political Science
The Department of Political Science
at the University of Louisville offers
a wide range of courses in all the
subfields of the discipline. The
department curriculum is designed
to cultivate an understanding
of politics, group processes, and
organizational dynamics in the
United States, in nations around the globe, and in international relations.
Faculty help students become
engaged citizens who possess the
knowledge to participate
successfully in contemporary
political life.
For More Information
Call: 502.852.6831
Visit: louisville.edu/politcalscience
Email: polisci@louisville.edu
8/2014
The University of Louisville offers three undergraduate degree programs in
political science: the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science in Law and Public
Policy, and the Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies. The curriculum for each
degree program has been carefully tailored to enable students to cultivate their
capacities for systematic inquiry, logical thinking, critical reasoning, oral and
written expression, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and sophisticated
computer usage.
Degree Programs
• Bachelor of Arts - offers students a wide range of course choices within the
subfields of the discipline while cultivating depth in a limited number of
specializations.
• Bachelor of Science with a track in Law and Public Policy - concentrates
coursework in the areas of Law, Public Policy Formation, and Public
Administration. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills
needed for law school and leadership in public and private sectors.
• Bachelor of Science with a track in Paralegal Studies - allows students to
receive ABA-approved paralegal training while earning a Political Science
baccalaureate degree.
Special Opportunities
In addition to courses offered on campus, political science majors have
opportunities to complete internships with city, state, and federal government
agencies or community organizations. Overseas programs have been offered in
China, England, France, Germany, and elsewhere. The department also offers
students opportunities to participate in political science honors courses, mentoring
programs, service learning projects and a range of faculty-student social activities.
The department brings major speakers to campus each year and creates
opportunities for students to interact with national and international leaders such
as former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, former Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton, and Vice-President Joe Biden. Hardball with Chris Matthews also filmed
live interviews at UofL with Jack Conway and other U.S. Senate candidates.
Career Opportunities
Students who earn a Political Science degree have many diverse career options.
Political Science is a good major for students wishing to pursue law or
government work at any level. Graduates have employed their skills as lobbyists,
journalists, campaign staffers, and more. Increasingly, students interested in
nongovernmental organizations, political activism, teaching and the nonprofit
sector begin their careers as political scientists. Finally, students often pursue
careers in business or international organizations.
louisville.edu/admissions
Political Science
General Education Requirements
34 Hours
Hours
Arts & Sciences Programmatic Requirements
1
General 101: A&S Orientation
Foreign Language (completion of the second semester of a single foreign
language; hours will vary depending on language taken)
6-12
Electives in Humanities or Social Sciences (in addition to courses counted
toward General Education; 6 hours must be at 300 level or above)
6-9
WR – two approved courses at the 300 level or above (may be incorporated
into other degree requirements)
Department of Political Science Hours
Political Science 201, 202, or 299 (Students with
credit for Political Science 299 may not receive
credit for 201 or 202)
Hours
3
3
3
3
Political Science 390
Political Science 325 or 326 (B.S. only)
Political Science 495
Law and Jurisprudence Area: Political Science 312,
313, 314, 315, 320, 332, 337 (or Paralegal Studies
325, 326 for Law and Public Policy Track) (B.S. only)
9
Public Policy Area: Political Science 325, 326, 333,
336, 338, 405, 426, 505, 512 (B.S. only)
6
Political Science electives
3-21
TOTAL 30-42***
TOTAL
13-22
Supporting Courses
Hours
Economics 202 (and 201 for B.S.)
Electives in Social Sciences other than
Political Science, with 9 hours at the 300
level or above (B.A. only)
Economics electives at 300 level or above
(Law and Public Policy Track only)
Mathematics 107 or 180 (B.S. only)
Philosophy 211 or 311 (B.S. only)
3-6
15
6
3
3
TOTAL 15
TOTAL
121
Electives
Minimum Electives
TOTAL 2-17
*Paralegal Studies Track requires 28 additional hours in Paralegal Studies
Courses and hours will depend on the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Art program. To view a complete list of courses for each program, please view
the Undergraduate Catalog at http://louisville.edu/undergraduatecatalog
**This is intended only as an overview of the program and not intended to replace advising or the catalog. Subject to change before your enrollment.
The University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
For more information - louisville.edu/accreditation.