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Department of Government

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Department of Government

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Explore Power, Conflict, and Cooperation in the Public Sphere

The EKU Department of Government offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs for students interested in government, political science, and paralegal science. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle called politics “the master science” because it influences how all over knowledge is used throughout society. The study of politics is especially relevant for government workers, politicians, legal professionals, and anyone else interested in power, conflict, cooperation, and the ways people in a society choose to govern themselves in the public sphere.

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Why Study Government?

Government influences many aspects of our daily lives. The study of government can help you understand how decisions are made at the local, state, and federal level. It provides a solid foundation for those who wish to pursue a career in government, politics, or law.

Participants in the Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program (CCIP) are placed with a Kentucky legislator as they serve in the General Assembly and will spend Tuesdays and Thursdays during the spring semester in Frankfort. Interns will provide their own transportation and be reimbursed for the costs of gas and meals. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge of the state’s political process while developing critical professional skills through research, communication, and networking.

Upon graduation, EKU students will find themselves pursuing employment opportunities in a highly competitive, global job market. Employers are increasingly looking for graduates with a demonstrated ability to utilize hard and soft skills in the work environment. Participation in the Colonel’s at the Capitol Internship Program provides students with an opportunity to develop these skills through real-world experience.

For more information, contact the CCIP coordinator, Steve Barracca at steve.barracca@eku.edu

Students earn two upper-level POL credits per semester while traveling the country and competing as attorneys and witnesses in a nationally recognized mock trial program. The class (POL 466: Mock Trial) meets twice a week (Mondays and Wednesdays 3:45-5:45 p.m.), and students travel to compete several weekends each semester. Through this experience, students gain knowledge about the foundations, functions, and terminology of law and court structure/procedure, then apply these concepts through mock litigation. Students interested in joining EKU Mock Trial are evaluated by an interview process.

Student Stories & Features


EKU grad and mom Angela Short and her son, an EKU student, in his dorm room holding EU pennants and pom poms.

Angela Short

EKU Political Science Graduate
Earning this degree is what got me the job that I am in. I love working with the courts and feel like I am making a difference in my community. I also felt more prepared to take on this job due to my education.

Aaron Boycan

EKU Public Administration Graduate
Earning my Master of Public Administration degree has helped me become a more well rounded police officer. The content areas of the degree helped me become more well versed in areas such as leadership, human resources, public budgeting, and comprehending statistical analysis. Knowledge in these areas have helped me become a better police officer at an administrative level.

Jeff Uckotter

EKU Master of Public Administration Student
The faculty is awesome. Like any post-graduate program, the faculty demands a thorough work product. They were always there to answer questions and aid in your academic formation. The faculty has great communication skills.

Upcoming Events

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2025 EKU Living with Animals Conference

March 13, 2025 at 8:00 am – March 15, 2025 at 5:00 pmcalendar-multiday
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Fri
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Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

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Residence Halls Close

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Spring Break

March 17, 2025 – March 21, 2025calendar-multiday

News & Updates

Students Take Their Research to Harvard, Representing EKU at the National Level

In January, six Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students traveled to Harvard University and presented their research at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). This marked the second time students from EKU attended the conference, following recommendations from faculty mentors. “Our students being accepted to showcase their research at the NCRC—at Harvard—shows the massive potential of […]

EKU Grad, Now Harvard Fellow, Joins Allied Gaming Board of Directors

Chi Zhao, ’10, a research fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, was appointed as an independent board director for Allied Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed company. She chairs the nominating and corporate governance committee and serves on the compensation committee. Zhao received a bachelor’s in broadcasting and electronic media from Eastern Kentucky University. As a […]

EKU Alum Sparks Viral Fame with Nostalgia-Fueled Content

In a moment of uncertainty; one may catch a familiar aroma of a childhood toy, turn the channel to reruns of a beloved TV show, or suddenly want a meal of only comfort foods that evoke warm memories once tucked away in the back of your mind. Spencer Barrett, ’13, built a substantial following on […]

Contact Information

Department of Government

Commonwealth Hall
Room 1510
4374 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-5931
Fax: 859-622-8019