The political science degree program at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, looks at historical and contemporary themes in politics and helps political science majors develop a sense of context about the world they live in.
Transylvania political science graduates have done very well both in graduate and professional schools and as professionals—attorneys, judges and college professors. But success is not limited to those fields—our graduates have been successful in business, film and as authors.
Don Dugi, professor of political science
Political science examines how people interact in the public arena. If the workings of government at the community, state, national and international levels interest you, political science courses will give you the theoretical and practical background to better understand these complex policy issues that affect virtually everyone.
Beyond course content, the program stresses the cultivation of good analytic skills through reading, writing, research and presentations. Many students travel abroad to study foreign governments, and in some cases, complete internships within governing bodies and with governmental officials both in the U.S. and abroad.
Our program is committed to a revival of the “public sphere” in social, political and academic institutions. We work to fulfill one of the fundamental ends of liberal education—to cultivate civic spirit and the human capacity for free choice and self-rule, collectively and individually.
Where Our Graduates Have Worked
Law firms in New York City, Washington and across the United States
State and federal courts
U.S. Foreign Service, FBI and other governmental agencies
National and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
Opportunities in the Major
State, national and international internships
100 Doors to Success mentoring program
Peace Corps Prep
Pi Sigma Alpha (national political science honor society)
Student Government Association
College Democrats/College Republicans
Courses of Special Interest
Congress and the Presidency
American Constitutional Development
The Legal System
Human Rights
International Law
Politics of the Middle East
Chinese Foreign Policy
International Politics
International Crisis Simulations
Internships Our Students Have Completed
The U.S. Congress and Kentucky Legislature
Law firms in Lexington, Louisville, and across the United States
Canadian and British Parliament
Federal, state and local government agencies
Where Our Graduates Have Studied
Harvard University
Stanford University
University of Chicago
New York University
Vanderbilt University
University of Minnesota
Emory University
University of Wisconsin
Indiana University
University of Washington
University of Kentucky
Possible Career Options
Law
Government
Diplomacy
Consulting
Lobbying
Academia
Nonprofit Sector
Business
Journalism
Semester Study Abroad Opportunities
Australia I
Australia II
Austria
Chile
Czech Republic
England I
England II
Fiji
France II
Germany II
Ghana
Israel
Italy
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
South Africa
South Korea
Switzerland
Thailand I
Uruguay
These GlobalTransy programs have at least two courses related to the major.
Interested in studying abroad for a summer? Take a look at our summer study abroad opportunities.
Contacts
Steve Hess
Associate Professor of Political Science, Program Director
(859) 233-8214
Stephanie Coriale
Social Sciences Administrative Assistant
(859) 233-8104
Address:
Carpenter Academic Center
Transylvania University
300 North Broadway Lexington, KY
40508-1797