Political Science
General Planning Tips For Political Science
- The Political Science curriculum is quite flexible, and with careful planning you can study abroad for a semester and still graduate on time.
- There are a wide variety of both core and elective POLS courses to choose from abroad. Many of the POLS course options focus on concepts and topics unique to that particular region of the world giving you a chance to study something that is not offered at KU.
- Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements. Therefore, it is a good idea to reserve some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.
- Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Research your opportunities early.
When To Go
Freshman
- Schedule a meeting with a political science advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your graduation plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
- After you've met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
- Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it's good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
- The summer before your sophomore year would also be a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad. Applications for these programs are usually due around March 1st, so come to the Study Abroad Info Center early in the spring semester to learn more about your options.
Sophomore and Junior
- Political Science majors can study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their sophomore or junior year.
- You can take a combination of POLS major courses, POLS elective courses, minor requirements, and/or KU Core requirements during your semester abroad.
- Internships abroad are another great summer program option. You can gain valuable professional experience in a unique location, and you can participate in these internships the summer after your sophomore or junior year.
Senior
- If you go abroad as a senior, work closely with your academic advisor prior to your departure to make sure that you have completed all your degree requirements.
- Completing a capstone experience abroad is possible, but there are limited options available. If you plan to pursue a U.S.-based capstone experience, you should not study abroad that semester.
Courses and Credit
- Political Science faculty have already pre-approved a number of POLS courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalency Database.
- If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.
Recommended Semester Programs
American University of Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Politics and Social Changes in the Middle East, Law and Diplomacy
Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) Legon - Ghana
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Public Policy Process in Ghana, Strategies of Development in Africa
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Asylum Challenges in Australia and Asia, Democracy and Dissent
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: EU-US Relations, Gender Perspectives on Human Rights
Higher School of Economics - Russia
Recommended Timing: Fall semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Russian State and Russian Space, Post-Soviet Eurasia
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Argentine Politics and Government, Contemporary Latin American Politics
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Italian Politics and Government, Contemporary Latin American Politics
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - junior year
Sample Courses: Evolution of Political Ideas in Latin America, Comparative Politics
University College Cork - Ireland
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Politics in Northern Ireland, Policy Making in the European Union
University of Cape Town - South Africa
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Advanced South African Politics, Third World Politics
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: The New British Politics, Ethics and Public Policy
University of Exeter - England
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: State of Britain, Security Studies
University of Hong Kong - China
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Contemporary Chinese Politics, Capitalism and Social Justice
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Comparative Welfare States, Swedish Politics
Recommended Short-Term Programs
Recommended Timing: Summer after sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: The Enemy Within - Spies and Espionage in the Cold War
Recommended Timing: Any summer
Sample Courses: Politics of Developing Countries, Italy and the Middle East
Oslo International Summer School - Norway
Recommended Timing: Any summer
Sample Courses: Norwegian Welfare State, Scandinavian Government & Politics
Recommended Timing: Summer - after sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: varies by location