bookshelf
Political Science

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Are you interested in American politics? International affairs? Critical issues such as public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, political development, or foreign policy?

Theories concerning the ideal government and how power and resources are allocated in society? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on them? If so, political science is the major for you. Political science delves into the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. It is a social science which uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine the United States and all countries and regions of the world.

As a political science major, you will hone the writing, communication, analytical, and data skills that are fundamental to a liberal arts education. This kind of education will prepare you to think critically and independently, help you appreciate differing points of view, and broaden your knowledge of current affairs. Today, students can reasonably expect to change jobs more than once and even have more than one career. An undergraduate education in the liberal arts is excellent preparation for flexibility in employment. 

First class training in political science, that’s been the basis of my career, and all the experiences have simply added and reinforced and strengthened that training.

– Donna Shalala, Former Secretary, Department of Health & Human Services

Majoring in political science can qualify you for many different careers in private, for-profit, and non-profit organizations, as well as the public sector. Graduates can pursue careers in

  • law
  • consulting
  • research
  • business and finance
  • state, local, and federal government
  • journalism, media, and communications
  • community service
  • advocacy
  • non-governmental and non-profit organizations
  • teaching

The following is small sample of potential careers:

  • Activist, Advocate/Organizer
  • Archivist
  • Budget Examiner or Analyst
  • Attorney
  • Banking Analyst
  • Campaign Staff
  • Career Counselor
  • CIA Analyst or Agent
  • City Planner
  • City Housing Administrator
  • Congressional Office Staffer
  • Communications Director
  • Corporate Analyst
  • Corporate Public Affairs Adviser
  • Corporate Manager
  • Corporate Information Analyst
  • Corporate Adviser for Govt’l. Relations
  • Corporate Executive
  • Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
  • Data Scientist
  • Editor of Journals or Books
  • Entrepreneur
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Federal Government Analyst
  • Financial Consultant
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • High School Government Teacher
  • Immigration Officer
  • Information Technology Officer
  • Intelligence Officer
  • International Agency Officer
  • International Research Specialist
  • Journalist, Political Correspondent
  • Juvenile Justice Specialist
  • Labor Relations Specialist
  • Lawyer
  • Lobbyist
  • Management Analyst
  • Mediator
  • Non-Profit Program Manager
  • Paralegal
  • Policy Analyst
  • Political Commentator
  • Polling/Survey Analyst
  • Public Affairs Research Analyst
  • Research Analyst
  • State Legislator
  • Teacher
  • University Administrator
  • University Professor
  • Urban Policy Planner
  • Web Content Editor

Adapted from the American Political Science Association.

The connection between political science and the work I do here is the practical application of participation, helping young people participate, whether it’s in organizing at their high school, organizing at their college, or organizing…in their neighborhood.

– Kate Coyer, Former Projects Director, Rock the Vote
ASB Hallway Class

In-depth Majors

Major in political science or international relations.

CRSC

Community Research

Learn more about our Community Research and Service Center.

Patrick McNulty Washington DC

DC Connection

Our off-campus study program has connections to Washington D.C.