Politics
The politics major provides an understanding of how citizens attempt to deal with power and political decisions in institutions through the study of political organizations such as legislatures, courts and executives. In addition, the focus of study is of national, comparative, and international politics. Our students become aware of the scope of political topics and activities using philosophical, historical, and behavioral methods.
What kinds of careers could I pursue?
Political science provides a particularly useful background for students planning a career in government or public service, law, non-profit management, teaching, business and other professions that involve an understanding of power and politics.
Learn more about studying politics at UVA Wise by consulting the College Catalog.
View course descriptions in the College Catalog.
Licensure to Teach
All majors in politics seeking a license to teach with an endorsement in history and social science must complete 18 credit hours in history, six credit hours in geography, and six credit hours in economics, in addition to the political science courses. For professional studies requirements for secondary grades 6-12 and additional information relative to the Teacher Education Program, contact the Director of Teacher Education.
UVA Wise/Appalachian School of Law Accelerated 3+3 Dual Degree Program
Students who are interested in attending the Appalachian School of Law (ASL) will have an opportunity to earn their Bachelor’s degree from UVA Wise and a Juris Doctor from ASL in only six years. Interested students should contact Heather Evans or Eric Smith upon declaring their major at UVA Wise. Application to the Appalachian School of Law must be received by January 1 of the calendar year in which the student desires to enroll in the law school. Application to the Accelerated Study Program must be submitted to the appropriate faculty (Heather Evans or Eric Smith) within the Department of Social Sciences in the freshman or sophomore years of study