Political Science BA Major

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Political Science, BA

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.

Our Political Science Program is a dynamic part of the .

As a Political Science major, you can complete the general track or specialize in a subfield that best matches your interests. Whether you choose a career in public service, criminal justice, government, business or international affairs, you'll graduate with an impressive and adaptable skillset.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

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.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

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.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework 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.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

3+3 Program

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

Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

Internship opportunities include with the West Virginia state government.
Study abroad funding available through the Academic Enrichment Program.
Earn academic credit through .
500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

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Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Customize your degree with one of four .
through the Department of Political Science and WVU Education Abroad.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Past students have interned with:

Law firms
Government agencies (local, state and national)
Private corporations
Congressional offices
Non-government agencies
Interest groups

Visit to explore the possibilities.

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

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Legislators

Develop, introduce or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, State, or Federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

Median Salary: $47,290

Possible job titles include: .

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Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $101,770

Possible job titles include: Research and Development Manager (R&D Manager), Research Associate, Research Scientist, Research Specialist.

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Anthropologists and Archeologists

Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $63,800

Possible job titles include: Applied Anthropologist, Historical Archaeologist, Researcher.

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Geographers

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $90,880

Possible job titles include: Environmental Affairs Corporate Director, Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst), Geographic Information Systems Program Director (GIS Program Director), Supervisory Geographer.

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Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $132,350

Possible job titles include: International Affairs Vice President, State-Federal Relations Deputy Director, Technical Director.

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Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $56,400

Possible job titles include: Research Analyst, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Specialist.

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Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $145,760

Possible job titles include: Assistant Attorney General, Associate Attorney, Attorney, Lawyer.

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Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $93,810

Possible job titles include: Faculty Member, Government Professor, Instructor, Political Science Instructor, Political Science Professor, Professor, Public Administration Professor.

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News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.

Median Salary: $57,500

Possible job titles include: Anchor, Broadcast Meteorologist, News Anchor, News Director.

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Public Relations Specialists

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $66,750

Possible job titles include: Account Executive, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist).

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Where Graduates are Working

Education
Government
Law
Military
Nonprofit organizations

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Political Science major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition 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.

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.

Ways to Save

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

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Political Science major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

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 to see if your institution is listed.

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Learn how to join the WVU family.

Want to know more about Political Science at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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