Political Science Major: 51AV, Greater Cincinnati Region

Program Type: Undergraduate

Degree Awarded: _{Select the degree to view its requirements and four-year plan.}

Department: Political Science, Criminal Justice & Organizational Leadership

The major in political science provides a comprehensive understanding of politics. It does so by acquainting students with the literature of the discipline in six different areas (American politics, comparative politics, international politics, law, political theory, and public policy) and by equipping students with methodological tools necessary for sound and critical analysis of political institutions of behavior and of processes by which public policy is formed.

Program Contacts

Edward Kwon
(859) 572-5329
Founders Hall 561B
kwone1@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Michael Wade Laws

Graduating Year: 2003 (Undergraduate), 2006 (Juris Doctorate)

Education: B.S. in Political Science, Pre-Law minor, Juris Doctorate (Chase College of Law)

Career: My career plan has always been to be a career prosecutor and public servant. 

"If you want to achieve success in life, there is no substitute for hard work and dedication. I truly enjoyed the Political Science department at NKU.  I benefited from great professors who sparked my initial interest in the law.  Undergraduate classes, such as The Judicial Process, Constitutional Law, and International Law, helped prepare me for my law school studies and set me on the path that ultimately led me to my career as a prosecutor. "

What they do: "As the First Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit, I am responsible for prosecuting all felony offenses in Harrison, Nicholas, Pendleton, and Robertson Counties. I represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky in Circuit Court criminal proceedings including but not limited to grand jury presentations, trials, and numerous other hearings. I conduct legal research and prepare motions and legal memoranda, handle trial preparation, and assist law enforcement with criminal investigations."

Necessary job skills: A prosecutor needs to be able to conduct legal research, write clearly and concisely, confidently speak in public, analyze situations from all angles, effectively communicate, and advocate on the behalf of others.  Prosecutors must be compassionate, possess high moral character, have sound judgment, love public service, and be able to handle high-pressure situations. 

Career plan: "I began my path as a prosecutor by participating in a legal externship with the Kenton County Attorney’s Office in the Spring of 2006 while still in law school.  I was able to prosecute cases under the supervision of a licensed attorney.  After graduating from law school and passing the bar exam, I was appointed to the position of First Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney by Commonwealth’s Attorney Douglas Wright.  I have held this position for the last sixteen years, serving under former Commonwealth's Attorney Wright and current Commonwealth's Attorney Douglas Miller."

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Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Students talking in a group inside classroom

Internships: There are numerous internship opportunities in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati. We also offer students the opportunity to spend a semester interning with a Kentucky legislator in Frankfort through our FLIP program. Future Leaders Internship Program (FLIP) fellows are placed with a Northern Kentucky legislator as they serve in the General Assembly each spring semester.
Research with Faculty: Our faculty are active researchers who regularly engage students in a partnership of research and other scholarly endeavors. Students frequently present their research findings at the Celebration of Student Research and at Posters at the Capital. Our faculty regularly mentor Honors students through their thesis projects.
Career Explorations: Our students explore careers in and out of the classroom. You’ll do everything from hearing from working professionals in various careers to participating in experiential learning through the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project, where you decide which local social justice nonprofits receive funding and connect what you are learning in the classroom with what is occurring in the community.

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