Political Science Careers and Benefits

Why major in Political Science?

According to the American Political Science Association, there are many careers open to Political Science graduates:

Business & Finance, specifically working in business development, financial consulting, or public finance. Students who have focused on area studies and international relations may find opportunities in international business or trade.

Public Administration & International Affairs: knowledge of the political process, strong writing skills, and familiarity with research methods are all useful preparation for these careers.

Non-governmental Organizations & Non-profits offer opportunities for political science graduates at all degree levels.

Journalism & Media: typically, political science courses place heavy emphasis on developing fluid and clear writing and speaking skills, which are beneficial for positions in print or broadcast journalism, publishing, social media, communications, and public relations.

Academic Research and Teaching: with an advanced degree in political science, you will have gained key methodological skills that will prepare you for a career as a college or university professor conducting cutting-edge research in a variety of political science subfields, including American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international relations.

Furthermore, all graduates of this program will be able to:

• Communicate skills and content effectively in written and verbal forms
• Complete written assignments demonstrating skills of political analysis
• Explain political science methodology
• Compare and contrast political ideologies and theories of governance
• Describe the workings of a democratic civil society
• Summarize the content of important political documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the UN Charter on Human Rights
• Illustrate in written and oral form the diversity of global political life and the impact of such diversity on their personal lives