Department of Political Science

Who’s Who in the Department of Political Science

Lecturers:

Kenneth Abbott (Pre-Law Advisor)

Jenna Davis (Professor of Practice)

Overview

The political science program focuses on the study of theories of government, government processes, and political forces that contribute to the formation, evolution, and operation of government. Students are offered a wide range of courses in several areas including political theory, comparative politics, international politics, American government, public law, public administration, and methodology. These areas draw on the related disciplines of economics, history, and sociology.

The study of political science assists students in developing reasoning and analytical skills and in building competence in oral and written expression. Students receive training in the major theoretical debates of the field along with strong methodological training that fosters critical thinking skills. All of this training will be useful to students, regardless of their career choices.

The Department of Political Science has designed its program not only to develop informed and active citizens, but also to be useful for those who plan careers in higher education, the legal profession, state and local government, urban planning, the federal bureaucracy, and data science (among other fields). Political science also provides an excellent background for those who wish to pursue advanced studies in business, law, or public administration.

Pre-Law Training in Political Science

The Political Science Department recommends that students interested in a pre-law curriculum consult Departmental advisors to find courses stressing analytic reading, writing, and critical thinking.

It is also recommended that students interested in a pre-law curriculum declare Legal Studies as their minor. The Legal Studies minor will provide students with a strong background in law to aid in preparation for going to Law School and related careers. The minor emphasizes courses in logical reasoning, reading comprehension, communication, and analytical writing, The Academic Advisors in the Political Science Department can help students declare this minor.

Additionally, it is STRONGLY recommended that students interested in pre-law consult with the Pre-Law Advisor their freshman year, or as soon as possible.  The Pre-Law Advisor can discuss what law school is like, the application process for law school, and what students should be doing as an undergraduate to best prepare them for success in law school.  Please email the Pre-Law Advisor listed below to schedule an appointment.  The appointments typically fill up about a week or two in advance. 

Kenneth W. Abbott, Jr., J.D.
Department of Political Science
362 Philip G. Hoffman Hall
kwabbott@central.uh.edu

Programs

• Political Science, B.A.
• Political Science, B.S.

• Accelerated B.A./M.A. Program in Political Science

• Legal Studies Minor
• National Security Studies Minor
• Political Science Minor
• Quantitative Social Science Minor