Politics

Students participating in mock trial in courthouse

Politics

The Politics major blends diverse perspectives, emphasizing critical thinking, global awareness, and hands-on experiences to prepare you for an impactful career in public service.

Overview

As a Politics major, you’ll strengthen your analytical reasoning, writing, and research abilities while exploring political philosophy, American government, comparative government, and international relations. Rather than focusing only on current events, you’ll study the deeper historical, institutional, and philosophical issues that current issues illustrate. This program prepares you to think deeply and act effectively so you can better understand and engage in public affairs.

Your Major Took You Where?

Politics majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

U.S. House of Representatives
Kentucky Governor’s Office
United Way of Greater Knoxville
Boys and Girls Club
Hardin Country Family and Juvenile Services
Kline Preston Law Group

Postgraduate Study

Columbia University
London School of Economics and Political Science
Lincoln Memorial University
Loyola University
University of Dayton School of Law
University of Louisville, Brandies School of Law

Curriculum

In ��鶹��ƵAPP’s Politics Program, you will explore important ideas, institutions, and issues in American and global politics. You’ll study how governments work, how elections are run, and how economic systems shape societies. Other courses focus on political philosophy, public law, international relations, and political analysis, helping you develop the skills needed to understand and engage in the political sphere.

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

Many Politics majors take part in ��鶹��ƵAPP’s study abroad programs in countries such as, England, France, Japan, and Mexico, and our study-away program in Washington DC. These programs offer opportunities to learn about politics and government in different settings.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Through the ��鶹��ƵAPP-in-Washington Internship Program, you can spend a full-term earning credit while gaining hands-on experience and studying in the nation’s capital. Other internship opportunities include working with local trial attorneys, state and federal courts, the Governor of Kentucky, and U.S. Senators and Representatives.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Graduates with a Politics degree have gone on to work for various law firms like Kline Preston Law Group, O'Bryan Brown and Toner, and Dinsmore and Shohl LLP. Others have worked for United Way of Greater Knoxville, various political candidates across the country, representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, Governor’s Offices, Family and Juvenile Services and different investment firms.