Students examine questions such as why countries go to war and what leads the Supreme
Court to its decisions in courses that examine American politics, international relations,
comparative politics and political theory. Students complete an engaged experience
with the Model United Nations, study abroad, or an internship. Each semester, faculty
and students take part in formal debates on various political issues, and the department
offers a series of guest speakers, movies and social events. Campus organizations
include the Political Science Club, College Democrats and College Republicans, and
students may participate at WCU with a Local Government Training Program and Public
Policy Institute. In addition, students are encouraged to conduct and present research,
and may be mentored by a WCU alumnus.
Where You'll Go
Political science students may go on to work for law firms, marketing research and
consulting firms, politicians or political groups, lobbying firms, news organizations,
schools or federal, state and local governments. Previous WCU graduates have worked
in government positions at the local and state levels, and in Washington D.C. Many
have assisted with political campaigns or worked in business. Some who pursued graduate
studies now work as educators and professors for universities and community colleges.
In recent years, WCU Political Science graduates have been admitted to law programs
at Harvard, Cornell, Georgetown, Duke, Elon, NC Central and the Universities of Tennessee
and Florida, among others. They also have been admitted to top-ranked master’s degree
in public affairs programs and graduate schools.
The experience WCU Political Science students gain researching and applying their
knowledge to real-world social and political problems on a local, national and global
scale prepares them for many professions. Some graduates go on to law school. Others
pursue jobs in policy or politics including careers as campaign workers, policy and
public opinion analysts, policy planners, strategic planning consultants or lobbyists.
A degree in Political Science also provides an excellent skill set for journalists
or political correspondents, intelligence agents, researchers, foreign service workers
and human rights officers. Learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences to discover all available programs.
More Ìð¹ÏÊÓÆµapp Our B.S.B.A. in Political Science
WCU’s B.S.B.A. in Political Science offers majors and minors. Students can study full-time
or part-time, on the Cullowhee campus or online, gaining a strong foundation in business,
politics, and public policy.
At WCU’s Political Science & Public Affairs Department, students study political systems,
public policy, and leadership in a hands-on, applied environment—preparing for careers
in government, nonprofit, law, and beyond.
Engage beyond the classroom—through mentorship, student organizations, and applied
policy work with the Public Policy Institute, you’ll help shape real-world solutions
while building your professional network.
With a major in Political Science & Public Affairs, you’ll gain the intellectual tools
and real-world experience to pursue careers in public service, law, or policy—and
be ready for advanced study.
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Explore our related programs until you find the one that’s right for you.