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Political Science

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Shape the Future with a Political Science Degree

Where is the power in governmental systems and society? Are you interested in how to run a political campaign or how public opinion can be influenced? Or maybe you're looking to become a lawyer, work for the government, become an ambassador, or run a non-profit. We can help!

The University of Wyoming's bachelor 's degree in political science can help you become a part of the critical political sector.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Department

College of Arts & Sciences
School of Politics, Public Affairs, & International Studies

What is Political Science?

Political science is the study of how societies at the local, state, national and international levels govern themselves and interact with one another.

The political science program at the University of Wyoming gives our students an opportunity to dive deep into subfields such as American politics, comparative government, international relations, political philosophy, public law and public administration. You'll also have the opportunity to analyze government structures and processes, citizens' influence on government, policy content, philosophical concepts and tradition, political systems of other nations and conflict resolution.

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Customize your learning experience and studies by choosing one of our School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies minors:

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As a political science major at UW, you'll receive a comprehensive understanding of how societies govern themselves and interact on a global scale. With concentrations in American politics, comparative government, international relations, political philosophy, public law and public administration, both the B.A. and B.S. degrees offer a solid foundation in political theory and practice. Here is just a sampling of some of the classes you might take as a political science major:

  • Non-Western Political Cultures
  • Politics of State and Local Government
  • Politics and Media
  • Energy Security
  • Presidential Elections

View the full bachelor of arts in political science degree program curriculum.

View the full bachelor of science in political science degree program curriculum.

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What Can You Do With a Political Science Bachelor's Degree?

Our goal at the University of Wyoming is to help our political science students better understand political processes while developing their critical thinking and analytic skills. We want to give our students the necessary tools for effective participation in governmental processes, successful careers in public and private sectors and further study in law, political science and public administration.

Political Science Jobs and Careers

Here are just a few places where University of Wyoming political science alumni are making their mark in the world:

  • ACLU
  • BMW Group
  • Political campaigns
  • State of Wyoming Legislature
  • TRIO, Upward Bound Program
  • United States House of Representatives
  • United States Senate
  • U.S. Foreign Service
  • Wyoming Governor's Office
  • Wall Street
  • Nonprofits
  • Wyoming Department of Education

 

 

 

SEVERAL UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING POLITICAL SCIENCE ALUMNI HAVE GONE ON TO RECEIVE HIGHER DEGREES AT:

  • Cambridge University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Chicago Law School
  • John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University
  • UC-Berkeley Law School
  • London School of Economics & Political Science
  • Korbel School/University of Denver
  • Georgetown University
  • Georgetown University Law School
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Political Science Bachelor's Degree Program Highlights

During your political science studies at the University of Wyoming, you will learn from eager professors who are experts in the field, have the chance to pursue internships and other experiential opportunities, and be among other students who are passionate about the same topics as you! You have the convenience to make your time and studies at UW what you want. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider a bachelor's degree in political science at UW:

Small Class Size

With a 13: 1 student to faculty ratio, you will be able to experience one-on-one attention in and outside of the classroom. Our political science elective classes stay relatively small with 30 students or fewer, and when you complete your required seminar class, the classroom gets even smaller to no more than 15 students.

Experiential Learning

While experiential learning is not required in the political science program, it is encouraged. Students can earn credit through internships with the State Legislature, in offices of members of the Wyoming congressional delegate, both in district offices and in Washington D.C. and with other governmental agencies.

Faculty

The School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies faculty has research-rich professors and an excellent teaching record with a national reputation. Study the presidency with Dr. Ryan Williamson; learn constitutional law with Dr. Jason McConnell! Discuss American foreign policy with Dr. Jean Garrison and investigate transitional justice with Dr. Nevin Aiken! With a bachelor's in political science, you'll get to explore a multitude of research topics with your professors and receive up-to-date class information in any discipline.

International Connections

In addition to the School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies faculty being highly interested in American government, they also have experience with foreign affairs. Our people have conducted research and/or taught all over the world from China to the UK to Germany to Indonesia to Ecuador to Jordan – just to name a few! Come study abroad with us! Travel with our faculty to learn about development in Indonesia or religious conflict in Northern Ireland. We have many scholarships to make these opportunities more available to our students!

Extracurriculars

Political science majors can expand their knowledge and understanding of political science areas with several campus organizations. The Political Science Club and the Model United Nations club provide vehicles for extra-curricular activities and engagement with fellow students outside of the classroom. Many political science students are also active in Associated Students of the University of Wyoming (ASUW). ASUW provides an opportunity to engage with students from across campus, handle budgets, learn more about bureaucratic systems and more!

Scholarships

In addition to the many scholarships provided at the University of Wyoming, the School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies also has a number of awards, scholarships and merits. This includes the Milward L. Simpson Fund, which provides full, in-state tuition to a student during their senior year.

 

Related Programs

If you're interested in earning your degree in political science, you might be interested in learning more about these undergraduate programs at the University of Wyoming:

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School of Politics, Public Affairs, & International Studies

Department 3197, 1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-6484

Email: sppais@uwyo.edu