Utah Valley University

What you'll study

Students take a combination of core political science courses and electives that allow concentration in areas such as American government, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, political theory, and research methods. Typical course topics include institutions and constitutional law, political behavior and campaigns, international security and diplomacy, policy formulation and evaluation, and research design and statistics for the social sciences. Many programs encourage or require an internship, capstone project, or senior seminar to synthesize learning.

Entry requirements

Admission to the university follows standard undergraduate procedures; entry to the major generally requires declaration of the political science major through academic advising and completion of any prerequisite general education or introductory political science courses. Students should consult the department for specific major sequencing, transfer-credit policies, and recommended preparatory coursework. Prospective students benefit from strong writing and quantitative reasoning preparation.

Career prospects

Graduates use the program’s analytical and communication skills in government (local, state, federal), legislative or policy staffs, public administration, non-profit and advocacy organizations, international NGOs, campaign and political consulting, media and journalism, and business roles that value policy insight. Many alumni also use the degree as preparation for graduate school in law, public policy, international affairs, or related social sciences.

Scholarships & funding angle

Funding opportunities typically include institutional scholarships awarded by the university, department-level awards or prizes, work-study positions, and competitive external scholarships for civic or public-service-oriented students. Prospective students should review general university financial aid resources, inquire with the political science department about available merit or research awards, and explore internships or fellowships that provide stipends while building relevant experience.