They tap the political science majors understanding of political groups to assess developments in volatile areas of the world. You might even pursue internships while youre still in school. Activities directors can apply knowledge of political science as they structure student elections and leadership programs. Alison founded, Best Jobs for Graduates With a Political Science Degree, Career Choices for Political Science Majors, 10 Job Options for Political Science Majors, 10. Even though more are interested in politics, few are knowledgeable about it. Political science is a versatile degree that can apply to many professions. Combine that with strong writing capabilities and the ability to speak directly to people, and youd flourish in PR. These workers may survey potential voters to discern their reaction to a candidate and the basis of their opinion. Since political science allows you to hone wildly varied capabilities, your first step is to find the three or four skills that you excel at and enjoy the most. Alison Doyle is one of the nations foremost career experts and has counseled both students and corporations on hiring practices. Youd need to look into the physical and psychological requirements before you pursue this path, so be sure to understand what you need to do before you apply. An advanced degree in political science may qualify you to teach political science classes in community colleges or universities. Find PR specialist and other public relations jobs on The Muse, Average salary: $44,241Salary range: $33,000$61,000. Social media managers must understand various social media platforms and orchestrate campaigns to shape the perceptions of their users. If you find yourself struggling to qualify for the best jobs or you want to explore alternate career options, you may find internships beneficial for resume-building, career exploration, and professional networking. According to Census Bureau data from the 2018 midterm elections, voter turnout among 18- to 24-year-olds jumped 16% from 2014. As a political science major, youll be introduced to foundational branches of political science inquiry. What can you do with a political science degree? Although he doesnt work in politics, he uses the skills from his major every day. But if you love data and communication, this is a terrific combination. Many students may want to pursue these areas as a career whether in terms of research, advocacy, or direct action but don't know how to get started. Youll use the accounts to engage with an audience and be responsive to questions, concerns, and complaints. They assess the interest of constituents regarding current political issues and present the views of their elected officials within a positive framework. Building a web of scholars and professionals in the field starts with your education. They discover how to make a convincing argument and back it up with facts. Political candidates, officials, parties, and interest groups need social media managers to monitor the views of constituents about their administration and current issues. This work would then prepare you to enter the field as an agent or support the organization in an operational or management capacity. Find HR generalist and other human resources jobs on The Muse, Average salary: $61,678Salary range: $48,000$82,000. You have an understanding of how people and groups behave and interact with institutions, and thats what this job is all about. In your courses that cover the origins of different political theories and systems, youll often compare competing political ideologies and practices, such as democracy, communism, socialism, and fascism.
You could become a lobbyist or work with a representative to craft legislation at the local, state, or national level. As a political science major, you may develop insights into political systems and constitutional law as well as skills in writing, communication, and analysis. Intended to lead to a doctorate, but can replace work experience for professional advancement. You may also qualify for government foreign service jobs or become a public relations manager, political science teacher, or elected lawmaker. Many colleges offer undergraduate and graduate programs in public administration, while others offer public policy programs or combine public administration with business administration. Did you know that close to half of the members of the US Congress hold law degrees? If youre interested in a career in politics, it may be a good strategy to use your political science degree as a stepping stone toward a higher degree or law school. She has given hundreds of interviews on the topic for outlets including The New York Times, BBC News, and LinkedIn. Youre also likely to develop proficient communication skills. Internships, particularly paid internships, often lead to full-time jobs. Senators, assembly members, representatives, and other elected officials at all levels of government hire assistants to help them to carry out their duties. A Ph.D. is required to work in academia and to hold specific leadership roles. In this position, you could be emailing a journalist or editor to see if theyll consider writing about whatever or whoever it is you represent. You may also pursue a masters degree to qualify for more positions, including postsecondary teaching jobs or leadership roles in policy analysis or advocacy. They also learn how opinions are formed, and the role of the media, as they research current events during their studies. Critical thinking is vital to evaluating the platforms of political parties and the impact of leadership changes. Keith has a Ph.D. and a M.A. There are political science positions in the fields of business, government, teaching, public relations, social policy, and more. Political theory, philosophy, economics, behavior and institutions, security, peace and conflict, race and ethnicity, thesis. You may also become a political science policy analyst. In some cases, you may earn upwards of $100,000. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Political science is actually underrated as a practical major, Birmingham argues: Its one of the most adaptable and versatile credentials for undergrads because it covers a variety of skills and topics: critical thinking, research, analysis, presentations, and discussion. If you choose political science as a major, youll have a wide variety of options open to you after graduation. Since both high school and college students are required to complete courses in government and civics, jobs in teaching can make great political science careers. A financial analyst could be making reports on how a division is succeeding at its goals, creating models for pricing of products and services, or working on revenue projections for various business scenarios. They write press releases and help draft language for speeches. Students of political science hone their presentation and verbal communication skills as they share their work with faculty and peers. A bachelor's degree in political science can be earned as either a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS). If you want to work on the ground to ensure peoples rights are respected and protected, social work might be a perfect role for you. Lots of students are attracted to political science because they care deeply about political activity and social issues. Political science majors develop strong writing and research skills. Plus, its a lot of paperwork, organization, and documentationwhich all those research projects and papers prepared you well for. Traditional or accelerated political science degrees not only offer a fascinating course of study but can also be your stepping stone to lucrative jobs in a range of interesting fields. Interested students often get into journalism as a fellow or intern and work their way up. They oversee the use of financial resources and investigate irregularities in student-run clubs and programs. You might apply your knowledge and advocacy skills in local government work or in the public nonprofit arena. You may decide to pursue a bachelors degree in political science if it fits with your personal interests and career goals. HR professionals manage the people within an organization, with responsibilities including onboarding and offboarding employees when they join or leave a team, offering perks and services to workers, supporting recruitment and professional development efforts, and handling disputes and legal matters. This is especially true in political hubs like Washington, D.C., and New York. Demand for political scientists in federal government, political organizations, lobbying firms, and labor unions will generally keep pace, but political scientists can expect to face fierce competition for jobs in the coming years. With a master's degree, graduates can work as political scientists, high school teachers, and senior analysts. Becoming a political scientist, or someone who analyzes and proposes policy, usually requires at least a master's or doctoral degree. Political consultants may also work for public interest groups and help them to formulate strategies for advancing their causes. Students learn about the American political system, with its unique presidency, congress, courts, and state politics; they also delve into American policies and political ideas, and explore the role of mass media. [2022 Guide]. Political interns can find a career foothold in many industries, such as education and technology. High school teaching positions may also be an option for you upon graduation, but some additional licensing steps are often required. However, it's important to note that, as with many professions, political science is a competitive field. Majoring in political science means learning about theories of government and competing systems of government. Youre helping people understand their value and communicating that.. Political science deals directly with the philosophy and practice of political systems, but the skills developed through political science courses are applicable to an array of industries. Since political science majors study the process for generating public policy, the role of policy analyst is a natural application of their work as a student. Attorneys formulate and deliver arguments on behalf of their clients and attempt to influence decision makers about the merits of their stance. This includes the study of US constitutional law, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. Public relations representatives influence public opinion about their clients based largely on placing stories with the media. What drew me to political science was the content, my professors, and the way we used writing, analytical skills, presentations, and engagement on a different level than a lecture, says Tim Birmingham, who studied poli sci at St. Michaels College, now owns a career coaching business, and works with students at his alma mater. We answer your questions about earning a bachelor's in political science degree -- career outlook, admissions, cost, and program information. Copyright 2007-2021. For 14 years, MyDegreeGuide.com has been dedicated to helping students like you finish your degree faster. You can get into HR as an entry-level employee after gaining experience with a summer job or internship, depending on the organization. If you're passionate about working as a political scientist, you should consider graduate school, which can prepare you to do research in an academic or public policy setting. in Literature from the University of California - Santa Cruz. Legislative assistants tap into the writing and verbal skills developed by the political science major to coordinate communication with constituents and inform them about developments within their district. 10 Great Jobs to Kickstart Your Career, Best Jobs for Graduates With an Anthropology Degree, Best Jobs for Graduates With a Mathematics Degree, Here's a List of the Top 10 Jobs for Marketing Majors, Top 8 Ways to Make the Most out of Your Liberal Arts Degree, Career Options for Environmental Studies Majors, Discover the Top 10 Jobs for Business Majors, Top 10 Job Options for Psychology Majors to Consider. Common political science careers in this field include lawyer, political scientist, teacher, policy analyst, or public relations and fundraising manager. Findsocial media managerand other social media jobs on The Muse. Public relations specialists often organize and publicize press conferences and other events in order to attract media attention and get the word out about their client. Average salary: $48,500Salary range: $34,000$69,000 Social work will require you to get a masters degree. You might need to come up with ideas for content; write captions for posts; take photos; respond in real time to questions from users, constituents, or customers online; share and promote services or content; grow the accounts followers; and otherwise engage with an audience. A master's degree in political science can prepare you to earn a Ph.D. or to perform research at nonprofit or public sector organizations. Public administration a related but distinct field to political science prepares students for civil service work in the public and nonprofit sectors at the administrative level. With a BA or BS (each has slightly different course requirements), graduates can land an entry-level administrative, communication, or analyst job with a public sector organization, business, or nonprofit. You may find yourself interacting with elected officials for campaign consulting, lobbying, or performing policy analysis. They learn how public policy is formulated and the impact of policy on the social and economic status of the populace. As you advance to more senior campaign roles, youll also need to manage and lead others, a responsibility your major prepared you well for. All Rights Reserved. However, there are four million professionals with poli sci degreesand their jobs range from attorneys to social workers to financial analysts. A bachelors in political science may be a good fit for you if youre excited about social policies or political philosophy. A social media manager is even more important now that brands and organizations must address diversity and inclusion and other pressing matters every day. The Public Ivies, Little Ivies, and Other Ivy League Equivalents, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, voter turnout among 18- to 24-year-olds jumped 16%, internships, often lead to full-time jobs, International Political Science Association, English, American history, social science, major concepts of political science, macroeconomics. Check out these 10 jobsonly two of which require an advanced degree. This subfield specifically looks at how systems diverge and align to discover general laws and theories. In practice, the job entails interviewing people, researching, collecting data, looking for new stories, covering live events, and sometimes even following a politician around throughout their campaign. Compared with political science, public administration is less theoretical and more pragmatic, with a bigger focus on organization, conduct/ethics, and budgeting. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Youre studying institutions and institutional behavior and you get a really strong historical understanding of leadership., Average salary: $55,067Salary range: $42,000$72,000. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Political theory, comparative politics, international relations, American government and politics, political methodology. It can springboard a career in politics and policy, nonprofit work, business, media, or education. As a political scientist, you might also seek work in elected government.
Political science is also one of the traditional majors for undergraduates on their way to law school. Political consultants use the knowledge of the political process gained by political science majors to devise strategies for candidates to influence voters and gain support in their campaigns for office. You may pursue a job as a policy analyst, legislative analyst, journalist, or news analyst. Average salary: $85,920Salary range: $51,000$158,000 The skys the limit on what you could do with a law degree, which may be why law school is such a popular track for poli sci majors. They help set standards for elections and monitor proceedings to make sure that student rights are upheld. With additional work experience or education, you may pursue any number of intriguing careers. The competition in political science is real, but for driven individuals, there's always opportunity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in life, physical, and social science occupations over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations. [2022 Guide], 2022 Best Online Child Development Degrees [Bachelors Guide], 2022 Best Online EdD in Organizational Leadership [Doctorate Guide], 2022 Best Online Associates in Paralegal Degrees, 2022 Best Online Legal Studies Degrees [Bachelors Guide], 2022 Best Online Master of Legal Studies [MLS Degree Guide], Reporter, Correspondent, or Broadcast News Analyst. You might also consider similar roles with the CIA and law enforcement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, political scientist jobs are projected to increase by 5% as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations between 2018 and 2028. Whether you pursue a career in politics and policy or translate your analytical and communicative skills to the private sphere, the degree's potential return on investment can be quite high. Your path might not be precisely linear as you determine the exact fit between job and ability, Birmingham says, but thats absolutely normal. You may also develop keen persuasive writing and debate skills. For some positions, getting started as an intern while youre still in school can be a helpful way to improve your odds of finding a job later on. Political science majors gain some insight into this process as they study the mechanics of organizing campaign events and public appearances by government representatives. MyDegreeGuide.com. Theres always demand for well-informed political science graduates. You could be working with individuals trying to get visas or with a nonprofit to get laws passed to combat the climate crisis. In an entry-level program coordinator role, the job responsibilities can vary, but encompass everything needed to execute and run a particular initiativefor instance, the rollout of a new capital campaign to raise much-needed funds. Political science graduate students study advanced political theory, conduct original research, and work to enter the broader political conversation by publishing their findings. And dont be afraid to be proactive! Your job could also include organizing other elements of a media coverage strategy, such as videos, blog posts, social media, or other digital content. In addition to jobs in politics, there are many other career options to consider. Advanced political theory, quantitative research, modeling, statistics, dissertation. Combining a political science degree with a professional degree in law is a strategic foundation for working as a lawyer, a legislative analyst, or as an elected lawmaker. Political campaign staff help manage the candidate's social media imprint and organize events to gain exposure for candidates. Political science majors develop the writing skills needed to draft compelling press releases and the persuasive skills to assert the benefits of covering a particular story. If youre a poli sci major who understands the current internet culture, can research an audiences needs, and is able to speak its language via social media, this role might make good use of some of your skills. A bachelor's degree in political science is also considered a good springboard to public administration programs at the graduate level. When Schill is advising students, she says, I often ask them Father Himes three questions: What are you good at (academic or otherwise)? Studying political science may help you understand the systems of political thought and government that impact so much of our lives. If you didnt work with quantitative analysis in your poli sci degree, you might have to supplement here with financial coursework or other relevant experience. A master of public administration (MPA) and master of public policy (MPP) are both considered professional degrees, similar to an MBA for business executives or a JD for lawyers. What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree? You could be a trial lawyer, defending clients in civil or criminal cases. Here are 5 popular pathways you may consider when thinking about political science jobs. Findnonprofit program coordinatorand other nonprofit jobs on The Muse, Average salary: $65,852Salary range: $40,000$116,000, In an entry-level role with the FBI, you could be helping a more senior agent, doing administrative work, studying and analyzing imagery and reports, doing basic investigative work, applying specific skills you may have like technological or linguistic capabilities, and eventually learning how to interrogate, interview, and investigate. These analysts study particular groups that pose a threat to security, and analyze patterns of leadership and popular support. You may research or consult on political systems or political trends, or you may perform public policy research, advocacy, and consulting work. Prepares students to transfer to a bachelor's program in political science as a junior. You have to understand an organizations policies and history and know how a persons needs might fit within that organization. These may include positions in public relations and campaign work. Internships also allow you to experience working in specific areas of interest, such as state governance, international relations, and immigration policy. Legislative assistant, policy analyst, staff assistant, press aide, Political scientist, agency administrator, legislative assistant, legislative director, press aide, policy analyst, Advocate, development officer, policy researcher, program director, think tank fellow, communications coordinator, Reporter, telejournalist, news anchor, radio host, writer, editor, social media manager, Market researcher, advertising executive, creative director, High school teacher (social studies, U.S. government, civics), librarian, Public relations manager, human resources specialist, data analyst, 2022 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company. This role might include overseeing fundraising, volunteers, polling, media requests, scheduling, and other strategies to get your candidate in the public eye and in front of constituents. Political science also entails theoretical and verbal analysis as well as political debate. Social media marketing can be on a political campaignor notbut it requires those analytical skills, Birmingham says, along with the ability to communicate and persuade. If you're pursuing a career as a public servant, an MPA could be preferable to a master's in political science. You may conduct public opinion survey analysis for political campaigns or public relations firms. Political consultants help to brand candidates and repair damaged images.
Working directly with patientswho might vary from students to seniors to military veteranssocial workers address a wide variety of social issues that individuals may be facing and serve as advocates from an educational and occupational (and sometimes medical) standpoint.
A bachelors in political science may open even more doors if you go on to get a masters or professional degree, which could qualify you to work as a professor, political scientist, or lawyer. While as a course of study political science focuses on systems of power and governance, the practical abilities and thought patterns rehearsed in class are applicable beyond just politics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, political science degree positions involve research and public policy analysis, law and politics, teaching, public relations, and public nonprofit leadership. They recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, as well as raising money to fund the campaign. While a bachelor's degree in political science prepares students for entry-level jobs in business and administration, it also imparts skills that can be leveraged to enter a host of other fields, such as media or marketing. The organizations that employ political scientists tend to promise secure, well-compensated careers, but the reality is that the number of qualified candidates is projected to exceed the number of available positions. 4 Top Skills You Gain as a Political Science Major, Some Quick Advice for Job Searching as a Political Science Major. With a doctorate, you can become a professor or assume a senior role at a think tank or government agency. Thinking about opportunities to make a difference in the world post-graduation puts you in good company with other poli sci majors, Schill says: Georgetown students often look at organizations where they can have an impact helping to better the lives of others via various nonprofit organizations or post-graduate service organizations.. Many political science majors go on to law school to qualify for a law career or pursue political ambitions. During their studies, political science majors learn how power is acquired, how campaigns are waged, and how public opinion can be influenced. A successful career in politics and policy takes a lot of networking, perhaps more than any other career track. Seek out early job and internship experiences as much as you can. In this field, you'll study concepts of ethics, justice, and democracy; learn about systems of government and political behavior; and apply theory to current political events.
You could become a lobbyist or work with a representative to craft legislation at the local, state, or national level. As a political science major, you may develop insights into political systems and constitutional law as well as skills in writing, communication, and analysis. Intended to lead to a doctorate, but can replace work experience for professional advancement. You may also qualify for government foreign service jobs or become a public relations manager, political science teacher, or elected lawmaker. Many colleges offer undergraduate and graduate programs in public administration, while others offer public policy programs or combine public administration with business administration. Did you know that close to half of the members of the US Congress hold law degrees? If youre interested in a career in politics, it may be a good strategy to use your political science degree as a stepping stone toward a higher degree or law school. She has given hundreds of interviews on the topic for outlets including The New York Times, BBC News, and LinkedIn. Youre also likely to develop proficient communication skills. Internships, particularly paid internships, often lead to full-time jobs. Senators, assembly members, representatives, and other elected officials at all levels of government hire assistants to help them to carry out their duties. A Ph.D. is required to work in academia and to hold specific leadership roles. In this position, you could be emailing a journalist or editor to see if theyll consider writing about whatever or whoever it is you represent. You may also pursue a masters degree to qualify for more positions, including postsecondary teaching jobs or leadership roles in policy analysis or advocacy. They also learn how opinions are formed, and the role of the media, as they research current events during their studies. Critical thinking is vital to evaluating the platforms of political parties and the impact of leadership changes. Keith has a Ph.D. and a M.A. There are political science positions in the fields of business, government, teaching, public relations, social policy, and more. Political theory, philosophy, economics, behavior and institutions, security, peace and conflict, race and ethnicity, thesis. You may also become a political science policy analyst. In some cases, you may earn upwards of $100,000. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Political science is actually underrated as a practical major, Birmingham argues: Its one of the most adaptable and versatile credentials for undergrads because it covers a variety of skills and topics: critical thinking, research, analysis, presentations, and discussion. If you choose political science as a major, youll have a wide variety of options open to you after graduation. Since both high school and college students are required to complete courses in government and civics, jobs in teaching can make great political science careers. A financial analyst could be making reports on how a division is succeeding at its goals, creating models for pricing of products and services, or working on revenue projections for various business scenarios. They write press releases and help draft language for speeches. Students of political science hone their presentation and verbal communication skills as they share their work with faculty and peers. A bachelor's degree in political science can be earned as either a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS). If you want to work on the ground to ensure peoples rights are respected and protected, social work might be a perfect role for you. Lots of students are attracted to political science because they care deeply about political activity and social issues. Political science majors develop strong writing and research skills. Plus, its a lot of paperwork, organization, and documentationwhich all those research projects and papers prepared you well for. Traditional or accelerated political science degrees not only offer a fascinating course of study but can also be your stepping stone to lucrative jobs in a range of interesting fields. Interested students often get into journalism as a fellow or intern and work their way up. They oversee the use of financial resources and investigate irregularities in student-run clubs and programs. You might apply your knowledge and advocacy skills in local government work or in the public nonprofit arena. You may decide to pursue a bachelors degree in political science if it fits with your personal interests and career goals. HR professionals manage the people within an organization, with responsibilities including onboarding and offboarding employees when they join or leave a team, offering perks and services to workers, supporting recruitment and professional development efforts, and handling disputes and legal matters. This is especially true in political hubs like Washington, D.C., and New York. Demand for political scientists in federal government, political organizations, lobbying firms, and labor unions will generally keep pace, but political scientists can expect to face fierce competition for jobs in the coming years. With a master's degree, graduates can work as political scientists, high school teachers, and senior analysts. Becoming a political scientist, or someone who analyzes and proposes policy, usually requires at least a master's or doctoral degree. Political consultants may also work for public interest groups and help them to formulate strategies for advancing their causes. Students learn about the American political system, with its unique presidency, congress, courts, and state politics; they also delve into American policies and political ideas, and explore the role of mass media. [2022 Guide]. Political interns can find a career foothold in many industries, such as education and technology. High school teaching positions may also be an option for you upon graduation, but some additional licensing steps are often required. However, it's important to note that, as with many professions, political science is a competitive field. Majoring in political science means learning about theories of government and competing systems of government. Youre helping people understand their value and communicating that.. Political science deals directly with the philosophy and practice of political systems, but the skills developed through political science courses are applicable to an array of industries. Since political science majors study the process for generating public policy, the role of policy analyst is a natural application of their work as a student. Attorneys formulate and deliver arguments on behalf of their clients and attempt to influence decision makers about the merits of their stance. This includes the study of US constitutional law, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. Public relations representatives influence public opinion about their clients based largely on placing stories with the media. What drew me to political science was the content, my professors, and the way we used writing, analytical skills, presentations, and engagement on a different level than a lecture, says Tim Birmingham, who studied poli sci at St. Michaels College, now owns a career coaching business, and works with students at his alma mater. We answer your questions about earning a bachelor's in political science degree -- career outlook, admissions, cost, and program information. Copyright 2007-2021. For 14 years, MyDegreeGuide.com has been dedicated to helping students like you finish your degree faster. You can get into HR as an entry-level employee after gaining experience with a summer job or internship, depending on the organization. If you're passionate about working as a political scientist, you should consider graduate school, which can prepare you to do research in an academic or public policy setting. in Literature from the University of California - Santa Cruz. Legislative assistants tap into the writing and verbal skills developed by the political science major to coordinate communication with constituents and inform them about developments within their district. 10 Great Jobs to Kickstart Your Career, Best Jobs for Graduates With an Anthropology Degree, Best Jobs for Graduates With a Mathematics Degree, Here's a List of the Top 10 Jobs for Marketing Majors, Top 8 Ways to Make the Most out of Your Liberal Arts Degree, Career Options for Environmental Studies Majors, Discover the Top 10 Jobs for Business Majors, Top 10 Job Options for Psychology Majors to Consider. Common political science careers in this field include lawyer, political scientist, teacher, policy analyst, or public relations and fundraising manager. Findsocial media managerand other social media jobs on The Muse. Public relations specialists often organize and publicize press conferences and other events in order to attract media attention and get the word out about their client. Average salary: $48,500Salary range: $34,000$69,000 Social work will require you to get a masters degree. You might need to come up with ideas for content; write captions for posts; take photos; respond in real time to questions from users, constituents, or customers online; share and promote services or content; grow the accounts followers; and otherwise engage with an audience. A master's degree in political science can prepare you to earn a Ph.D. or to perform research at nonprofit or public sector organizations. Public administration a related but distinct field to political science prepares students for civil service work in the public and nonprofit sectors at the administrative level. With a BA or BS (each has slightly different course requirements), graduates can land an entry-level administrative, communication, or analyst job with a public sector organization, business, or nonprofit. You may find yourself interacting with elected officials for campaign consulting, lobbying, or performing policy analysis. They learn how public policy is formulated and the impact of policy on the social and economic status of the populace. As you advance to more senior campaign roles, youll also need to manage and lead others, a responsibility your major prepared you well for. All Rights Reserved. However, there are four million professionals with poli sci degreesand their jobs range from attorneys to social workers to financial analysts. A bachelors in political science may be a good fit for you if youre excited about social policies or political philosophy. A social media manager is even more important now that brands and organizations must address diversity and inclusion and other pressing matters every day. The Public Ivies, Little Ivies, and Other Ivy League Equivalents, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, voter turnout among 18- to 24-year-olds jumped 16%, internships, often lead to full-time jobs, International Political Science Association, English, American history, social science, major concepts of political science, macroeconomics. Check out these 10 jobsonly two of which require an advanced degree. This subfield specifically looks at how systems diverge and align to discover general laws and theories. In practice, the job entails interviewing people, researching, collecting data, looking for new stories, covering live events, and sometimes even following a politician around throughout their campaign. Compared with political science, public administration is less theoretical and more pragmatic, with a bigger focus on organization, conduct/ethics, and budgeting. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Youre studying institutions and institutional behavior and you get a really strong historical understanding of leadership., Average salary: $55,067Salary range: $42,000$72,000. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Political theory, comparative politics, international relations, American government and politics, political methodology. It can springboard a career in politics and policy, nonprofit work, business, media, or education. As a political scientist, you might also seek work in elected government.
Political science is also one of the traditional majors for undergraduates on their way to law school. Political consultants use the knowledge of the political process gained by political science majors to devise strategies for candidates to influence voters and gain support in their campaigns for office. You may pursue a job as a policy analyst, legislative analyst, journalist, or news analyst. Average salary: $85,920Salary range: $51,000$158,000 The skys the limit on what you could do with a law degree, which may be why law school is such a popular track for poli sci majors. They help set standards for elections and monitor proceedings to make sure that student rights are upheld. With additional work experience or education, you may pursue any number of intriguing careers. The competition in political science is real, but for driven individuals, there's always opportunity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in life, physical, and social science occupations over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations. [2022 Guide], 2022 Best Online Child Development Degrees [Bachelors Guide], 2022 Best Online EdD in Organizational Leadership [Doctorate Guide], 2022 Best Online Associates in Paralegal Degrees, 2022 Best Online Legal Studies Degrees [Bachelors Guide], 2022 Best Online Master of Legal Studies [MLS Degree Guide], Reporter, Correspondent, or Broadcast News Analyst. You might also consider similar roles with the CIA and law enforcement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, political scientist jobs are projected to increase by 5% as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations between 2018 and 2028. Whether you pursue a career in politics and policy or translate your analytical and communicative skills to the private sphere, the degree's potential return on investment can be quite high. Your path might not be precisely linear as you determine the exact fit between job and ability, Birmingham says, but thats absolutely normal. You may also develop keen persuasive writing and debate skills. For some positions, getting started as an intern while youre still in school can be a helpful way to improve your odds of finding a job later on. Political science majors gain some insight into this process as they study the mechanics of organizing campaign events and public appearances by government representatives. MyDegreeGuide.com. Theres always demand for well-informed political science graduates. You could be working with individuals trying to get visas or with a nonprofit to get laws passed to combat the climate crisis. In an entry-level program coordinator role, the job responsibilities can vary, but encompass everything needed to execute and run a particular initiativefor instance, the rollout of a new capital campaign to raise much-needed funds. Political science graduate students study advanced political theory, conduct original research, and work to enter the broader political conversation by publishing their findings. And dont be afraid to be proactive! Your job could also include organizing other elements of a media coverage strategy, such as videos, blog posts, social media, or other digital content. In addition to jobs in politics, there are many other career options to consider. Advanced political theory, quantitative research, modeling, statistics, dissertation. Combining a political science degree with a professional degree in law is a strategic foundation for working as a lawyer, a legislative analyst, or as an elected lawmaker. Political campaign staff help manage the candidate's social media imprint and organize events to gain exposure for candidates. Political science majors develop the writing skills needed to draft compelling press releases and the persuasive skills to assert the benefits of covering a particular story. If youre a poli sci major who understands the current internet culture, can research an audiences needs, and is able to speak its language via social media, this role might make good use of some of your skills. A bachelor's degree in political science is also considered a good springboard to public administration programs at the graduate level. When Schill is advising students, she says, I often ask them Father Himes three questions: What are you good at (academic or otherwise)? Studying political science may help you understand the systems of political thought and government that impact so much of our lives. If you didnt work with quantitative analysis in your poli sci degree, you might have to supplement here with financial coursework or other relevant experience. A master of public administration (MPA) and master of public policy (MPP) are both considered professional degrees, similar to an MBA for business executives or a JD for lawyers. What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree? You could be a trial lawyer, defending clients in civil or criminal cases. Here are 5 popular pathways you may consider when thinking about political science jobs. Findnonprofit program coordinatorand other nonprofit jobs on The Muse, Average salary: $65,852Salary range: $40,000$116,000, In an entry-level role with the FBI, you could be helping a more senior agent, doing administrative work, studying and analyzing imagery and reports, doing basic investigative work, applying specific skills you may have like technological or linguistic capabilities, and eventually learning how to interrogate, interview, and investigate. These analysts study particular groups that pose a threat to security, and analyze patterns of leadership and popular support. You may research or consult on political systems or political trends, or you may perform public policy research, advocacy, and consulting work. Prepares students to transfer to a bachelor's program in political science as a junior. You have to understand an organizations policies and history and know how a persons needs might fit within that organization. These may include positions in public relations and campaign work. Internships also allow you to experience working in specific areas of interest, such as state governance, international relations, and immigration policy. Legislative assistant, policy analyst, staff assistant, press aide, Political scientist, agency administrator, legislative assistant, legislative director, press aide, policy analyst, Advocate, development officer, policy researcher, program director, think tank fellow, communications coordinator, Reporter, telejournalist, news anchor, radio host, writer, editor, social media manager, Market researcher, advertising executive, creative director, High school teacher (social studies, U.S. government, civics), librarian, Public relations manager, human resources specialist, data analyst, 2022 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company. This role might include overseeing fundraising, volunteers, polling, media requests, scheduling, and other strategies to get your candidate in the public eye and in front of constituents. Political science also entails theoretical and verbal analysis as well as political debate. Social media marketing can be on a political campaignor notbut it requires those analytical skills, Birmingham says, along with the ability to communicate and persuade. If you're pursuing a career as a public servant, an MPA could be preferable to a master's in political science. You may conduct public opinion survey analysis for political campaigns or public relations firms. Political consultants help to brand candidates and repair damaged images.
Working directly with patientswho might vary from students to seniors to military veteranssocial workers address a wide variety of social issues that individuals may be facing and serve as advocates from an educational and occupational (and sometimes medical) standpoint.
A bachelors in political science may open even more doors if you go on to get a masters or professional degree, which could qualify you to work as a professor, political scientist, or lawyer. While as a course of study political science focuses on systems of power and governance, the practical abilities and thought patterns rehearsed in class are applicable beyond just politics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, political science degree positions involve research and public policy analysis, law and politics, teaching, public relations, and public nonprofit leadership. They recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, as well as raising money to fund the campaign. While a bachelor's degree in political science prepares students for entry-level jobs in business and administration, it also imparts skills that can be leveraged to enter a host of other fields, such as media or marketing. The organizations that employ political scientists tend to promise secure, well-compensated careers, but the reality is that the number of qualified candidates is projected to exceed the number of available positions. 4 Top Skills You Gain as a Political Science Major, Some Quick Advice for Job Searching as a Political Science Major. With a doctorate, you can become a professor or assume a senior role at a think tank or government agency. Thinking about opportunities to make a difference in the world post-graduation puts you in good company with other poli sci majors, Schill says: Georgetown students often look at organizations where they can have an impact helping to better the lives of others via various nonprofit organizations or post-graduate service organizations.. Many political science majors go on to law school to qualify for a law career or pursue political ambitions. During their studies, political science majors learn how power is acquired, how campaigns are waged, and how public opinion can be influenced. A successful career in politics and policy takes a lot of networking, perhaps more than any other career track. Seek out early job and internship experiences as much as you can. In this field, you'll study concepts of ethics, justice, and democracy; learn about systems of government and political behavior; and apply theory to current political events.