Are you interested in political systems, passionate about advocating for important issues, or considering a career in government? At UHart, you won’t just study government and policy—you’ll learn how to shape and transform it.
Full Time
Rolling AdmissionBachelor of Arts
37
Minor
18
You, making a difference. Our politics and government program is built to get you ready for real-world impact. You’ll choose electives both inside and outside the major to shape your path in politics, government, or policy. You'll build a strong foundation in economics, finance, and communication, while diving into courses on advocacy and policy. Plus, you’ll develop in-demand skills like data analysis, complete two internships, and graduate with hands-on experience, a strong network, and the confidence to lead and make change.
$132,350
Median annual wage for political scientists in May 2023.
7% Job Growth
Is projected for political scientists from 2022 to 2032.
Our course pathways help launch your career as a:
Legislative aide, political campaign advisor, or political-issue communications manager
Government relations or policy advocacy manager, or issue-based communicator
City or town manager
Lawyer
Politician or lobbyist
A degree in politics and government can also prepare you for graduate studies or law school.
Politics and Government , '26
David is planning on a career in public service working in state or local government. So, when he found out about the opportunity to apply for a spot in the highly competitive 2025 Public Policy International Affairs Junior Summer Institute at the University of Michigan, he jumped at the chance. He would like to pursue a Master of Public Administration upon graduation and he says his participation in the program will help him get a head start. As a first-year student, David completed an internship with the Connecticut General Assembly, and as a sophomore, he worked as intern in the Washington, DC, office of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
I love the community of students, faculty, and staff who have been there for me.
To earn your degree, you’ll complete 37 credits in politics and government courses. Our curriculum is designed to give you both breadth and depth across five key areas:
American Politics and Government
Comparative Politics and Government
International Politics
Political Theory
Law and Politics
One of the following courses is required:
In addition, you must complete a capstone experience and take:
A course in at least four of the five key areas and at least 15 credits at the 300 or 400 level is required.
Examples of courses include:
For more information, and to see a complete list of additional degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Six credits must be completed from among the following courses:
In addition, 12 credits must be completed from the five key areas, with at least 6 credits at the 300 and 400 level.
Benedicta "Benie" Kwartang '23, Politics and Government, International StudiesAs someone interested in foreign affairs, getting the chance to go to a different country and indulge in the language and culture was a practical way for me to learn about foreign policy. This kind of experience is very rare and something that can set you apart from many applicants in the job market.
Tailor your degree in international studies to your interests by focusing on global security or global development. You can also expand your global perspective with a double major in politics and government or economics, or a minor in one of the modern languages.
If you are interested in how economic theory influences public policy, you may want to consider a minor in political economy. It is a great complement to any area of study.