Making it possible for students to earn a degree in political science while staying in Washington County, Utah Tech University is slated to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Policy, and Law beginning in the Fall 2026 semester.
“I am proud that we will now be offering Utah Tech students the opportunity to pursue a degree in Politics, Policy, and Law,” said Geoff Allen, assistant professor of political science. “This new program promises to help Trailblazers be active and thoughtful contributors to the public debates that will shape their lives, their communities, their nation and the world.”
By emphasizing an applied approach to the study of public law, policy and politics, the program’s faculty will teach students to think critically, engage civilly and gain the skill of effective communication. In this program, students will build the knowledge and skills to navigate and influence the interests, interactions and institutions that shape both local and global communities.
“I was so excited when the political science major was officially approved. I’ve always loved everything about Utah Tech — the campus, the community, and the professors — the only thing missing was this major,” Azia Campbell, a student at Utah Tech, said. “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else, but I had already applied to another school because I thought I had no choice. Now, I get to stay at the school I love and study what I’m passionate about. Adding this major will only make Utah Tech stronger and help produce well-educated, informed students who are ready to make a real impact.”
The new program will prepare students for a wide variety of jobs in the public and private sectors. It will also prepare students who want to pursue further education in more specialized degrees.
“The addition of a Politics, Policy, and Law degree program enhances Utah Tech’s commitment to academic excellence and equips students to make a meaningful impact in their communities,” Dr. Michael Lacourse, Utah Tech’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, said.
The program, which will be housed in Utah Tech’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, has already received approval from Utah Tech’s Board of Trustees as well as UT’s accrediting body, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Programs in UT’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences help prepare students for 21st century jobs by focusing on the skills that employers prioritize, including effective oral and written communication, critical thinking, collaborative teamwork and sophisticated analytical skills. For more information about the college, visit colleges.utahtech.edu/humanities.