Undergraduate

 

Political science is a multifaceted discipline with topics of study ranging from the functions of government, elections and interest groups, gender and racial politics, international relations, political philosophy, law and public policy.

With such a wide range of options, political science students have the freedom to tailor their courses of study to meet individual goals and interests through personal selection, or by the use of tracks. Tracks allow students to format their curriculum to reflect their academic interests and career goals. Right now, the department offers five tracks;

• Public Service - for students interested in an administrative position in the public or nonprofit sector
• Global Politics & Security - for students interested in international security, diplomacy, international organizations and related non-profit organizations
• Society & Environment - for students interested in social and environmental problem solving, agricultural and food-related private business, and non-profit and political advocacy groups
• Politics of the Global South - for students interested in careers that impact or involve the non-Western world and knowledge of African, Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries
• Law - for students interested in the legal profession in any capacity, work in private business, or government and legal relations

Careers and Internships

An undergraduate degree in political science prepares students for careers in both the public and private sector, as well as a number of advanced graduate degrees including in law, foreign service/security, public administration, and doctoral studies, among others.

Though even before completing their degree, students have the opportunity at a first-hand experience of what it's like to have a career in the political science field through professional internships.

Learn more about careers and internships

Financial Assistance

The Department of Political Science offers support to it's undergraduate students through scholarships.

Learn more about scholarship offerings

The Office of Student Financial Assistance also offers relief options for those in financial need.

Degree Requirements

The Political Science Department offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Political Science which requires 120 credit hours, with a minimum 36 credit hours of major coursework. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences also have college-specific degree requirements they must complete, in order to graduate.

To make planning simpler, our department utilizes degree requirement checklists that students can view anytime.

How to Apply

Interested in becoming a political science student? Apply today and take the next step towards your future! Or, schedule a campus visit to meet with department personnel and learn more about the program.

Those currently enrolled at K-State who wish to become a political science major, please contact the Department of Political Science (polsci@ksu.edu).

Minors & Secondary Majors

The department also offers a Political Science minor at 18 credit hours (6 core credits and 12 elective credits). Add a valuable degree credential and strategically fill your K-State 8 general education courses, while developing an understanding of how government and politics influence your chosen field of study!

Political Science Minor (18 credit hours)

To declare a Political Science minor, or for more information, contact the Department of Political Science (polsci@ksu.edu).

 

There are also many secondary majors, minors, and other specialized curricula that are available to students that work concurrently with the Political Science major, including but not limited to:

Pre-Law	Middle East Studies Minor
International and Area Studies	Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies
Primary Texts Certificate	American Ethnic Studies