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Political ScienceMajor

Studying political science will help you understand why courts make the decisions they do, why legislatures pass the laws they do and why countries make the choices they make in the international arena.

Overview

What is Political Science at WVU like?

Description

We offer you a chance to explore the dynamics of control that shape our world, here in America and internationally. What leads people to take political action? Why do political events unfold a certain way? What are the moral and ethical questions that surround politics? These and other vital questions are explored and explained through political theory, using scientific methods to gather evidence to test those theories and learning to create effective communication to share those results.

Political Science is a dynamic part of the John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics.

Students earning a BA in Political Science choose an area of emphasis that allows them to focus on the course work that best suits their interests and professional goals. Whether selecting a career in public service, criminal justice, government, business or international affairs, students graduate with an impressive and adaptable skillset.

Political Science program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Areas of Emphasis

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

  • American Politics and Policy
    Examines questions related to activities of all the branches of government and how public policy is made. Students can specialize in U.S. political institutions, social movements and elections.
  • Elections and Campaigns
  • International Relations, Comparative Politics and National Security
    Teaches about the political world beyond the U.S., especially the interactions countries have with each other.
  • Pre-Law and Legal Studies
    Prepares students for law school and other careers involving legal and justice issues.

Fast Facts

What makes Political Science at WVU unique?

3+3 Law Degree Program

This major is eligible for the 3+3 Law Degree Program that allows qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.

Early College Program

Get a head start (and save money) in our High School ACCESS program for high school students. Choose from online, on-campus or dual credit courses that fulfill requirements for general education or Political Science. Online courses to consider for this major include:

  • POLS 102: Introduction to American Government
  • POLS 103: Global Political Issues
  • POLS 210: Law and the Legal System
  • POLS 220: State and Local Government
  • POLS 230: Introduction to Policy Analysis
  • POLS 240: Introduction to Public Administration

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Our graduates go on to careers in education, government, law, the military and nonprofit organizations.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Political Science major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Political Science at WVU?

POLS 220:
State and Local Government

The legal basis, structure, politics and operation of state and local governments, in the content of the American federal system.

POLS 230:
Introduction to Policy Analysis

Examination of the causes and consequences of public policies. Substantive policies examined include: civil rights, housing, social services, environment, health, law enforcement, education, and taxation.

POLS 310:
American Presidency

Institutional, behavioral, and societal forces which have given rise to the modern presidency; factors which enhance and constrain the exercise of presidential power over those constituencies with which the president must interact; the nature and consequences of the presidential decision-making process; desirability and/or feasibility of reforming the presidency.

POLS 313:
American Constitutional Law

The role of the Constitution in the American political system. Topics include the political concept of constitutionalism; the role of the Supreme Court in the political process; division of powers among the three branches of government; and the constitutional relation between the national government and the states.

POLS 314:
Civil Liberties in the United States

Issues in constitutional law concerning personal liberties against government action. Topics include free speech, press and association; religious freedoms; abortion; the right to privacy; due process of law; and criminal procedure safeguards.

POLS 363:
International Law

Law governing relations among nations, including development of rules, means of enforcement, and conflict between theory and practice.

POLS 365:
Foreign Policy Decision-Making

An advanced course examining the psychological and political dynamics by which decision- making formulates foreign policy with emphasis on American national security. Includes three weeks' simulation.

POLS 370:
Dictatorship and Democratization

Examines the politics of authoritarian rule by focusing on dictators and their demise. Compares current scholarship with real-world accounts of a variety of dictatorships, differentiating among governing strategies and long-term impacts. Students will gain the ability to analyze trends and outcomes, as well as comprehension of different approaches to the study of dictatorship.

Cost and Aid

How much does Political Science at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

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Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Early College Program

Get a head start (and save money) in our High School ACCESS program for high school students. Choose from online, on-campus or dual credit courses that fulfill requirements for general education or Political Science. Online courses to consider for this major include:

  • POLS 102: Introduction to American Government
  • POLS 103: Global Political Issues
  • POLS 210: Law and the Legal System
  • POLS 220: State and Local Government
  • POLS 230: Introduction to Policy Analysis
  • POLS 240: Introduction to Public Administration

Learn About Our HS ACCESS Early College Program

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Political Science at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Political Science major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

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Request Information

Want to know more about Political Science at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

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