Political Science, BA
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 John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics.
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
State and Local Government
POLS 220
The legal basis, structure, politics and operation of state and local governments, in the content of the American federal system.
Introduction to Policy Analysis
POLS 230
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.
American Presidency
POLS 310
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.
American Constitutional Law
POLS 313
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.
Civil Liberties in the United States
POLS 314
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.
International Law
POLS 363
Law governing relations among nations, including development of rules, means of enforcement, and conflict between theory and practice.
Foreign Policy Decision-Making
POLS 365
An advanced course examining the psychological and political dynamics by which decision-making formulates foreign policy with emphasis on American national security. Includes 3 weeks' simulation.
Dictatorship and Democratization
POLS 370
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.
American Politics and Policy
Elections and Campaigns
International Relations, Comparative Politics, and National Security
Pre-Law and Legal Studies
3+3 Law 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 6 years instead of 7 years.
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- Internship opportunities include Frasure-Singleton and Herndon internships with the West Virginia state government.
- Study abroad funding available through the Academic Enrichment Program.
- Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
- 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
- Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend, and enhance your academic experience.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
- Customize your degree with 1 of 4 areas of emphasis.
- Study abroad opportunities through the Department of Political Science and WVU Education Abroad.
View all of the student organizations 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 Political Science Internships to explore the possibilities.
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Political Scientists
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $139,380
Legislators
Median Salary: $44,810
Sociologists
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $101,690
Possible Job Titles: Demographer, Medical Sociologist, Social Scientist, Sociologist
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $64,910
Possible Job Titles: Archaeologist, Communication and Folklore Specialist, Forensic Anthropologist, Researcher
Geographers
Median Salary: $97,200
Possible Job Titles: Earth Observations Scientist, Geographer, GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator), GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer)
Social Science Research Assistants
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $58,040
Possible Job Titles: Graduate Research Assistant, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Social Research Assistant
Lawyers
Median Salary: $151,160
Possible Job Titles: Attorney, Attorney General, Counsel, Lawyer
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $94,680
Possible Job Titles: Associate Professor, Political Science Instructor, Political Science Professor, Professor
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Median Salary: $60,280
Possible Job Titles: Anchor, News Anchor, News Reporter, Reporter
Public Relations Specialists
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $69,780
Possible Job Titles: Communications Specialist, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist)
Where our graduates work
- Education
- Government
- Law
- Military
- Nonprofit organizations
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Political Science major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
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.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Political Science, BA is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
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.
Request Info
Want to know more about Political Science at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
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